Rhett Akins Gushes Over His “Very Special” Bond With Son Thomas Rhett as They Perform Together at His Grand Ole Opry Induction (Exclusive)
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Rhett Akins was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on 13 October, with his son Thomas Rhett joining him on stage to celebrate. Their shared songwriting history and mutual praise made the ceremony a family milestone as well as a career achievement for Akins.
The pair have written songs together since Thomas Rhett was a child, including “Half of Me”, which opened his three-song set. He also performed “Die a Happy Man” and joined his father for “What’s Your Country Song”, drawing a standing ovation. Jon Pardi, Jamey Johnson, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan also appeared to honour Akins, who said their support meant a great deal.
- Rhett Akins joined the Grand Ole Opry.
- Thomas Rhett celebrated with him on stage.
- Four other country stars also honoured Akins.
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The Grand Ole Opry is a long-running country music institution in Nashville, known for its live performances and radio broadcasts. Induction recognises an artist’s place in country music and brings them into a group of performers associated with the Opry.
Rhett Akins is a country singer and songwriter, and his son Thomas Rhett is also a country artist. They have written songs together over many years, linking their family relationship with their shared musical work.
The Opry brings together established and newer country performers, so an induction can mark a significant career milestone. It also reflects the support and connections that shape the country music community.
Full account
Rhett Akins’ induction into the Grand Ole Opry on 13 October 2026 brought together two parts of his career: the songs he has written and performed over more than three decades, and the music he has made with his son, Thomas Rhett. The ceremony fell on Akins’ 57th birthday. He opened the show with “Don’t Get Me Started” and told the audience it was the greatest night of his life.
Before the show, Akins told American Songwriter that he and Thomas Rhett had written songs together since his son was a child. Their relationship had also developed on the road: Thomas Rhett travelled with Akins when he was young, while Akins later toured and wrote with him. Akins said he felt fortunate that their shared interest had become a working partnership. Introducing his son onstage, he praised Thomas Rhett’s abilities as a singer, musician and songwriter.
Thomas Rhett, in turn, credited his father with shaping his career. He recalled asking Akins to write with him when he was seven and spoke of his pride that songs they created together had reached country radio and topped the charts. He performed their co-written “Half of Me”, followed by “Die a Happy Man”, which Akins did not write but had predicted would be a hit. Akins then returned for their duet on “What’s Your Country Song”, which drew a standing ovation from many in the audience.
The family performance was one part of a wider celebration. Jon Pardi, Jamey Johnson, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan also appeared, while Akins performed “Honey Bee” and “I Lived It”, songs he wrote for Blake Shelton. Pardi and Johnson joined him for the formal induction, after which Akins sang “That Ain’t My Truck” with the guests returning to the stage. The audience closed the show by singing “Happy Birthday”.
For Akins, membership marked the fulfilment of a long-held ambition. He told American Songwriter that Pardi’s invitation in June had taken him back to watching and listening to the Opry at his grandmother’s house in 1979. He also remembered his own Opry debut, more than 30 years earlier, when Roy Acuff hosted his segment. Speaking after the induction, Akins said he would continue to value the opportunity to walk the venue’s halls and perform there. He also named further hopes for his career, including induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Where outlets differ
Both supplied reports are attributed to American Songwriter and cover the same induction. Source 1 centres on the father–son relationship, their remarks to one another and Thomas Rhett’s three-song appearance. Source 2 follows the full ceremony and Akins’ memories of the Opry, birthday celebration and future ambitions. They offer different emphases rather than conflicting accounts.