Keith Whitley tragically passed away after just two albums and an EP, but his legacy is massive, with many country singers that came after him name-checking him as a huge influence. Whitley passed away at the age of 34, just as he was reaching superstardom. One of his life’s dreams was to receive an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry. Unbeknownst to him, the Opry was set to surprise him with the coveted invite, but three weeks before they could ask him, Whitley passed away. Thirty-four years later, that missed opportunity has been rectified.

Saturday night, the Opry hosted a star-studded evening to honor the late country singer. Garth Brooks, Terri Clark, Ashley McBryde, singer and Whitley’s widow Lorrie Morgan, Mark Wills and more were on hand to sing Keith’s songs and remember the legend. And to complete Whitley’s legacy.

Garth Brooks announced to the crowd that Whitley would be honored with a plaque like those presented to members of the Grand Ole Opry, which will hang backstage to recognize the contributions Keith Whitley made not only to the Grand Ole Opry, but to country music. Garth said, “I will say this: Garth Brooks would never be anywhere close to getting the life and the joy of singing I got if it wasn’t for Keith Whitley. This guy is country music. So it’s an honor to be here today. As you guys know, the voice of Keith Whitley was silenced on May 9, 1989, just three weeks before he was supposed to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. So this plaque is the plaque that you get when you become an Opry member. I’m very lucky to have one of these. It’s out there. The Opry house has decided in his recognition to put this out there with the other Opry members. I will say this: Whether he got to be officially inducted or not, the fact of having Keith Whitley’s name out there among the rest will elevate the Grand Ole Opry and guys like me who have my name out there.” See Garth’s speech here.

Source: WhiskeyRiff