On November 23, 1996, Trace Adkins appeared at the Grand Ole Opry for the first time. In his debut at the Opry, Adkins played his song “Every Light in the House” from his first album, “Dreamin’ Out Loud.” That debut album released on June 25 of that same year. Since that performance, Adkins joined the Grand Ole Opry in 2003. Little Jimmy Dickens, who stood four foot eleven inches, invited the six foot six inch Adkins to the Opry while standing on a step-ladder.
Trace Adkins’s debut at the Opry was a memorable night for several reasons. For one, it marked the beginning of his long and illustrious career. Another reason the night will stay in Adkins’ memory forever was that he proposed to his wife from the Grand Ole Opry stage. Immediately following the first song, Adkins dropped to one knee to propose to Rhonda Forlaw. She said yes and the couple married in early 1997. Rhonda filed for divorce in 2014, citing irreconcilable differences.
Despite the outcome of the marriage, Adkins’ debut performance from that historic stage will remain a fond memory for all parties involved.
Trace Adkins Music Career
Since his 1996 debut album, “Dreamin’ Out Loud,” Trace Adkins has released ten more studio albums. In his career, Adkins has seen twenty singles chart on the Billboard Country Music charts. The singles “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing” from 1997, “Ladies Love Country Boys” from 2007, and “You’re Gonna Miss This” from 2008 all peaked at number one.
Trace Adkins also boasts a fairly successful acting career. He appeared in Hollywood Squares and Pyramids as a panelist as well as making appearances on The Celebrity Apprentice, finishing as a finalist in 2008 and winning in 2013.
In October, Trace Adkins released a new EP, “Ain’t That Kinda Cowboy.” He performed the lead single, “Better Off” on TODAY with Hoda and Jenna. That single also premiered with a music video in March.
