February 1, 2024

Hi Gang: And welcome to our February newsletter…complete with a fresh, new look here in the New Year. I hope you like it. I’m glad it’s February if for no other reason than it’s not January anymore. Boy, that month packed quite a wallop weather-wise here in our part of the country. We had more snow than I’ve ever seen at one time in Tennessee and some of the coldest temperatures that I can remember. I wasn’t able to leave my house for more than a week. I know February can sometimes be a challenge as well, but at least we’re one month closer to Spring! And I’m headed back to the stage at the Grand Ole Opry after having been away since November! If all goes according to plans, I’ll return to the Circle on February 3rd, 17th, and 24th. I had to take some time off following a couple of surgical procedures, and I’ve sure missed everybody. The best part is all the messages I’ve received saying that you’ve missed me too. Thank you.
 Once the snow and ice melted and I could finally get out of my neighborhood, I drove down to the Country Music Hall of Fame and began making plans for retrieving the memorabilia that I loaned to them when my exhibit went up back in 2021. While they will be bringing some of my more special and personal things back to my house and my office, I’m thrilled to tell you that I will be part of a permanent exhibit called “Sing Me Back Home,” and several of my items will remain at the Hall and on display there. We’re in the process of deciding which specific ones.
 I also learned that the souvenir book from my exhibit has sold completely out, but that the Hall is having some more copies printed and it will continue to be available for awhile longer. They tell me this has never happened before so that’s very cool.
 I had hoped to have some updated information for you on the release of the lyric video to our song “The Country I Grew Up With” by now, but it’s been a rough few weeks. First came the holidays, and then our terrible weather which kept many of the music offices closed. Unfortunately, I really don’t know anything new, but as soon as I do I’ll pass it along.
 It’s still a few weeks away, but you might keep your eyes on the Opry website regarding a special Opry night on Saturday March 16th. The Opry House will be celebrating its 50th year as home to “The Show That Made Country Music Famous,” and some of you might want to come celebrate with us. There will be two shows that night, 7 p.m. and 9:30. Somewhere along the way, the Opry is planning to honor Jeannie Seely, Connie Smith, and me as the only three artists who appeared on Opening Night back in 1974 and who are on the 50th Anniversary show as well. Jeannie is having a replica made of the bare midriff outfit she wore on stage that night, and she asked me if I still have the suit that I wore. I told her it didn’t make any difference….I couldn’t get in it even if I did!! It should be a fun and very special night. Happy Groundhog Day tomorrow, Happy Valentine’s Day to all you lovers out there, and enjoy our extra Leap Year Day on February 29th. I’ll look forward to visiting with you back here again in March. Thanks for everything….