Mel was inducted by his daughter Pam, who has been an Opry member since 2000. “All week long, people have been telling me that they can’t believe Daddy wasn’t already an Opry member,” Pam told the crowd during the ceremony. “The best thing about me getting inducted first is that I get to induct you—you are now an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.” An emotional Mel responded, “Thank you so much. It took me 52 years, and I do appreciate this.”