Jelly Roll Sobs After Craig Morgan Invites Him to Become Opry Member On ‘Joe Rogan Experience’

Jelly Roll has always worn his heart on his sleeve, but nothing could have prepared him for the moment he achieved a lifelong dream of being invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He broke down in tears when one of his musical heroes, Craig Morgan, appeared via video message mid-interview on The Joe Rogan Experience to extend the honor, marking a full-circle moment.

Like all country artists, the Opry has held a special place in Jelly Roll’s heart since childhood. He grew up not far from the iconic venue in Antioch, TN and while it was located only about 15 minutes from his home, it felt millions of miles away and basically untouchable for so long.

That all changed when he made his debut in the historic circle in Fall 2021 to a standing ovation. In July of the following year, the genre-bending star returned to sing his hits, “Save Me,” and “Son of a Sinner,” with plans to watch fellow country act Craig Morgan perform later in the night. However, things became even more meaningful that evening when Morgan surprised him onstage, inviting him to join in on a performance of “Almost Home” and gifted him a framed, signed copy of the song’s lyrics.

As a result, it was only fitting for Craig Morgan to be the one to deliver this latest life-changing news to Jelly Roll. The “Liar” singer and Rogan were nearing the end of their over two-hour long conversation when Rogan brought him back to the first time he appeared on that stage at 500 lbs, and particularly called out his emotional speech about his journey with music. Jelly Roll told the crowd that night about his time being incarcerated and how he found strength in country music, but particularly in Craig Morgan’s music.

Rogan then asked, “What is it like seeing yourself that big and seeing yourself in that huge moment?”

With tears welling up and his voice cracking, he responded, “I didn’t think I’d make it, Joe.”

In the next moment, Rogan prompted Jelly Roll to look at the TV screen again, where Morgan appeared in a video message filmed from the pews of the Grand Ole Opry. He started out by congratulating the country act on everything he has accomplished in his career to this point and then thanked him for the “positive difference” that he has made in the lives of so many people.

He continued, “You’re doing great work, buddy, and I’ll never forget meeting you on the Grand Ole Opry and how much it meant to me to hear you say my music helped you get through some really tough times. That’s one thing country music does really well.”

Jelly Roll stared at the screen in disbelief and even threw off his headphones the moment he realized what Morgan was there to tell him.

“Who would’ve ever dreamed back then that I’d be back at the Opry house today to say, Jelly Roll, you’re officially invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It’s an honor to say, welcome to the family brother.”

The award-winning hitmaker was speechless as he buried his face in his hands and attempted to dry the tears flowing down his face. He and Rogan then shared a tight hug as they celebrated the incredible milestone.

“It don’t get no bigger in country music, Bubba…I googled Craig Morgan. I heard ‘Almost Home’ in jail, and you’ve heard the song, right? It’s like the most tear-jerking song about a homeless man, and it just reminded me of jail. Just no matter where you are, the mind’s strong. I came home and the song is so much, I was like, ‘Craig Morgan Live.’ It’s like ‘Grand Ole Opry house’ and I was like, I’ll go, and could barely afford tickets. I think I talked some girl into buying them for me,” he joked.

He went on to explain just how impactful that night out in Nashville was for him, further proving how full circle this invitation from Morgan really is.

“I went and sat by myself. I had an ankle bracelet on, so each show went off at nine. It had to be home at nine, so I was like, if he’s the last one, I’m screwed. And he comes out and sings almost home and I’m not bullshitting. I’d maybe cried 10 times in my life at that point and I cried. I cried. I cried like I’m crying here now. And I just remember thinking, ‘man…I want to make people feel the way he makes me feel. That’s what I want to do.”

Rogan was quick to reassure the country act, letting him know that he accomplished his mission.

“That feeling that he gave you, you’ve given to many, many people. It’s an incredible gift. There’re so few people in life that have touched people the way you’ve touched people.”

Slowly rising out from his tears, Jelly Roll relished in the fact that his name will soon appear on the honorary plaque wall alongside so many of his country music legends and his musical heroes. As he explained, this is an accomplishment he never thought the would even be close to reaching, but he pushed past all the obstacles in his life and he’s done it.

Jelly Roll left listeners with one final message: “Somebody out there right now is dreaming of something and it’s too small. Dream bigger baby. Dream bigger baby.”