Pam Tillis & Charley Pride’s Widow Invite Neal McCoy To Join Grand Ole Opry
on
The Grand Ole Opry held a Charley Pride tribute on Tuesday (September 22) as part of their ongoing Opry 100 series.
The special celebration included performances from Darius Rucker, Pam Tillis, The War and Treaty, The Malpass Brothers, Neal McCoy, Tony Jackson, and Charley’s own son, Dion Pride.
Before the show, Dion told Billboard, “The Grand Ole Opry held a very special place in my father’s heart, and our family is deeply grateful to see his music and legacy celebrated on the stage he loved so much. It will be an honor to perform alongside artists who admired him and to share his songs with the fans who have kept them alive for generations.”
Pam Tillis And Rozene Pride Invite Neal McCoy To Become A Member Of The Grand Ole Opry
When Charley Pride passed away in 2020, he left behind his wife of 64 years, Rozene Pride. Tillis was on the mic and introduced Rozene so she and pride’s niece, Allyson Shaheer, could join her on stage with Neal McCoy. The two reminisced about the good ol’ days when Tillis’ father, Opry legend Mel Tillis, was hanging out with Rozene and Charley.
Tillis asked Rozene what she thought Charley would say about the evening and she replied, “He would be so happy to have all of you here to honor him tonight…But he would be so happy to know what you’re gonna do next, Pam. He would be thrilled.”
Pam replied, “You know what I think he’d say? He would say, ‘I think Neal McCoy needs to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry!’”
McCoy seemed genuinely surprised as he reacted, “Oh my gosh! This is great…whoo! What a great night. And what a great night to be invited.”
At the end of the video, he could be seen wiping tears away. Becoming a Grand Ole Opry member has been a lifetime dream of McCoy’s and for his invitation to take place at the Charley Pride tribute probably meant so much to him.
All About Neal McCoy
Neal McCoy has built a career around upbeat country music, high-energy performances and a genuine connection with his fans. Born in Jacksonville, Texas, McCoy began his professional journey in the early 1980s after winning a talent contest that helped him land a spot opening for Charley Pride. After several years on the road, he launched his own recording career and eventually became one of the recognizable country stars of the 1990s.
McCoy’s major breakthrough came in 1994 with his platinum-certified album No Doubt About It. The album produced two consecutive No. 1 country hits, the title track and “Wink,” establishing McCoy as a major commercial force in country music. He followed that success with You Gotta Love That, another platinum album that produced three Top 10 hits, including “For a Change” and “They’re Playin’ Our Song.”
His success continued throughout the decade, with McCoy collecting additional Top 10 hits and albums before returning to the Top 10 in 2005 with the fun, tongue-in-cheek “Billy’s Got His Beer Goggles On.” Beyond his music, McCoy has become known for his philanthropy and extensive work entertaining U.S. troops; according to the Grand Ole Opry, he has participated in 17 USO tours around the world and has received multiple humanitarian honors.
A couple decades after McCoy opened for Pride, the two remained close friends, up until the country legend’s passing.
Neal and Charley’s wife, Rozene, maintain a sweet friendship and show up for each other when it matters. Neal attended the unveiling of Charley Pride’s star on the Music City Walk of Fame in November 2025.
The Opry has yet to announce the date of his official induction, but we will keep you posted!
Watch Pam and Rozene extend the Opry invite below.
