August 1, 2023

Hi Gang: I wish you all could have been there! What a night we had on July 22nd celebrating my 62nd Grand Ole Opry anniversary and the fact that I have now been an Opry member longer than anyone else in history. I’m still having trouble believing it all. By now you have probably read the stories and seen the pictures, but I want you to hear directly from me that it was one of the most special and memorable nights of my life and my career. Thanks to Dan Rogers, Gina Keltner, and the Opry staff for all the behind-the-scenes work they put into the occasion, and my deepest appreciation to Vince Gill, Jeannie Seely, Jamey Johnson and all the other greats who filled the night with so many kind words and so much of my music. I’ll never forget Jeannie leading the audience in singing “Peel Me A ‘Nanner” or Jamey and me onstage trying to remember in what key we sang “Everybody Wants To Be 21.” And Vince decked out in his Bill Anderson t-shirt! Money can’t buy those kinds of memories. Not to mention the incredibly long standing ovation the audience gave me when the announcement of my longevity was made. My three children and seven of my eight grandchildren were standing in the wings taking it all in. I was laughing one minute and wiping tears off my face the next.
 Thanks to each of you who sent me a congratulatory message. Thanks for the beautiful flowers that brightened my dressing room. And thanks to each of you who have been alongside me for all or part of this incredible journey. It’s been amazing, and it’s not over yet. In fact, I’ll be on the Opry four times this month….August 12th, 22nd, 26th, and 29th. Come see us if you can, or tune us in if you can’t be here. What else is happening? Universal Music has released seven more of my Decca/MCA albums into the digital world where you can now download and stream them. Watch for some upcoming news about each album. And I’ve been in the studio recording some new music that I hope you’ll be hearing soon.
 I appreciate your continuing to be the best fans and friends in the world. It’s exciting to think of where these roads have wound over the years and where they might continue to lead us in the days ahead. Have a great month, stay as cool as you can in this incredible heat we’re having, and I’ll see you back here in September.
 Thanks again for everything….