October 4, 2021

Hi Gang: And welcome to our newsletter for my favorite month of the year! Those of you who have been with us for any length of time knew I was going to say that, didn’t you? Because I say it every year when October rolls around. It’s officially autumn, the temperatures have begun to drop, the leaves have Mother Nature’s permission to change colors and decorate our countryside, the baseball playoffs are about to get underway (my Braves are in them!), and football season is in full swing. Other than for us to be rid of Covid-19 and all its variants once and for all, what more could anyone ask?? I hope things are good for you and yours wherever you are. It’s relatively quiet in Whisperville, but it’s only the calm before the storm. I’ve spent a whole bunch of time lately getting names and addresses put together for the special invitation-only VIP party the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is planning to throw the night prior to the opening of the “Bill Anderson – As Far As I Can See” exhibit inside the Hall. I want to make sure all my family, band members, fellow Opry artists, friends, and close business associates receive a personal invitation to the festivities, and I’m trying my darndest to not overlook anyone. I know I probably will, though, so I’ll just apologize upfront and move on. In case you’ve forgotten, the Grand Opening of the exhibit will be Friday December 3rd, and there will be a big weekend of activities surrounding it. I’ll be able to share more details with you as the time gets closer. They are still adding artifacts, including my rhinestone guitar strap with eight million miles on it, the red Nudie suit I wore on the cover of my first Greatest Hits album, and the Fender guitar that I played onstage for years. A few days ago, I unearthed the ancient old  baseball glove that I wore when I pitched for Avondale High School back in the Dark Ages. I think they plan to dust it off and put it on display. I’ve also been told that they have uncovered some rare photographs and letters from across the years that even I have forgotten about. I can’t wait to see it all put together…and I hope sometime between Dec. 3rd and March, 2023, that each of you will be able to come see it too.
 In other news, we haven’t even gotten to Halloween and Thanksgiving yet, but I’m beginning to see Christmas decorations in the stores already. I want to remind you that our Christmas CD, “No Place Like Home On Christmas,” has been repackaged and is available now if you’d like to start your shopping early. The CD has a new cover picture, is in the “wallet-style” format instead of the old jewel case, which makes for easier shipping and storage, and still contains all 14-songs as before. You can check it out farther on down in our newsletter. It might make the perfect gift for a country music fan on your list. In going through the questions you have submitted this month for our Ask Bill column, I came up with the idea of starting to select a Question Of The Month for each newsletter and awarding a prize to the person who submits it. It can be a funny question, a serious question, but something that stands out from the other ones submitted that particular month. I’ll put together a team of judges, and the monthly winner will be given their choice of any one item from our online store absolutely free of charge including free shipping.
 So, put your thinking caps on and give it your best shot. Questions will be judged on content, originality, and aptness of thought. I’ll look forward to receiving yours. On the personal front, I am going to be out of commission for a couple of weeks this month while having a small squamous cell cancer removed from the front of my left leg. Because of where the growth is located (on my shin), the procedure will also include some skin grafts, quite a few stitches, and will force me to be off my feet for at least two weeks. The surgery is set for October 6th, so I’ve had to cancel my Opry appearances on the 16th and the 19th. Hopefully, I can return Oct. 26th and Oct. 30th. If you’d like to whisper a little prayer for me during this time it would be most appreciated.
 The bone marrow transplant that my grandson, Gabe, received from his sister, Hallie, has not, up to this point, been as successful as the doctors had hoped, and they are moving forward with some new ideas and treatments. We are all naturally disappointed, but far from giving up hope. Gabe continues to fight, and we continue to support him with our love and our prayers. I know that many of you do as well, and our entire family thanks you. Keep the faith! Here’s wishing you and yours a great month, topped off with a Happy Halloween visit from the Great Pumpkin. I’ll see you back here in November. Thanks for everything….