Country's Paisley To Join Opry Cast

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) â€” Brad Paisley has gotten an early Christmas present â€” an invitation to join the cast of the Grand Ole Opry. <br><br>Paisley, 28, was playing the Opry on Saturday when he was

Monday, December 18th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) â€” Brad Paisley has gotten an early Christmas present â€” an invitation to join the cast of the Grand Ole Opry.

Paisley, 28, was playing the Opry on Saturday when he was asked to become a permanent member of the show's cast.

The surprise invitation was extended by fellow country singers Bill Anderson, Little Jimmy Dickens and Jeannie Seely.

Paisley accepted the offer, and will join the cast during the Feb. 17 show.

``Thank you so much folks, for being so supportive,'' he said.

Paisley, whose hits include ``He Didn't Have to Be,'' has appeared on the show 36 times. Country stars like Hank Williams Sr., Patsy Cline and Garth Brooks have been members of the Opry's cast over its 75-year history.