- Carlisle Wright is a rising country singer who just released her debut EP.
- She’s also the great-niece of country music icon Alan Jackson.
- Alan had the honor of inviting Carlisle to make her Grand Ole Opry debut in late June.
Country fans know him by his full name, Alan Jackson, but Carlisle Wright just calls him “Uncle Hat.” And the legendary country music hitmaker had big news for her when he called her on Sunday, June 7.
Taking after her great-uncle, Carlisle is on a path to become a country music star, and though she’s paving her own way, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have Alan in her corner.
“Heard you’re having a big week,” he remarked when she answered the phone. CMA Fest 2026 was last week, and it was her first time playing the event. Alan said he’d heard great things about her performances.
It’s not just a coincidence that the day he called, June 7, was the 35th anniversary of his induction into one of country music’s most revered institutions, the Grand Ole Opry — it was more like fate. As he told her the significance of the day, she seemed to catch on quickly what was coming next, and her chin began to quiver.
“They asked me to call you today and extend you an invitation … to make your Opry debut on June 28th,” Alan continued.
Carlisle was in full-blown tears by this point. “I’m crying … thank you, Uncle Hat,” she responded, assuring him that they were happy tears, not sad ones.
“I’m glad I got to call you, and that’ll be a big event that you’ll always remember,” the “Remember When” singer continued, recalling how nervous he was when he was inducted. “I’m excited for you to make your debut. Keep it country!”
“Steppin’ into the circle has been my biggest dream ever since I was a little girl,” Carlisle reveals in a post on Instagram. “I’m beyond honored and grateful to bring classic country to the stage where it all started.”
Though she’s just 19, the Belmont University undergrad has already released a five-track EP and is promoting her first official single, “Does Forever Mean Forever.” She’s off to a strong start with her Opry performance coming up on June 28.
Carlisle will also be a part of Alan Jackson’s sold-out final show, Last Call: One More for the Road, in Nashville later this month, just one day before she makes her debut inside the Opry circle. George Strait, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, and a slew of other huge names are also performing. With 55,000 seats inside of Nissan Stadium, it’s likely the biggest stage she’s played thus far in her blooming career.
“Could this month be any better?” Carlisle asked after hanging up with her uncle. It’s going to be hard to top, for sure.
Amanda Hensel Jermstad is a skilled writer based in Austin, Texas. She spent 14 years as Editor-in-Chief of Taste of Country, where she led coverage of the artists, stories and trends shaping country music. With a career deeply rooted in the genre, Amanda has built a reputation for sharp editorial insight and authentic storytelling. Outside of work, she’s a proud mom of three.
