The first concert I ever saw was the Oak Ridge Boys. I was 2 years old. Mama took me. I pooped my diaper while they were singing “Elvira.” My mother changed me at the foot of the stage as I was singing at the top of my voice. One of the Oak Ridge Boys gagged, mid-song.
“That’s Mama’s little musician,” said my mother, wiping my hindparts.
The next concert I ever saw was the “Grand Ole Opry.” My father moved us to Tennessee because he was building the GM plant in Spring Hill. Mama knew I loved music, so she carried me to “country music’s biggest stage.”
I remember seeing Jerry Clower. I remember a bluegrass group practically lighting their instruments on fire. I remember Minnie Pearl.
During the Opry performance, Mama stood me on the back of the pew so I could sing along. She kissed my cheeks and said, “That’s Mama’s little musician.”
Mama bought my first nice guitar. It was the first “fine” instrument I ever owned. A Gibson. Student model, B-15. It was indestructible. You could use this guitar to tenderize meat. I still have it.
And it was Mama who bought my first piano on my 9th birthday. Mama bought a second-hand piano from the classifieds. She sent my father to pick it up. He bribed his friends to move the instrument with cases of free Busch. As a result, the piano was beat to heck.
I began playing piano in church at age 10. I was an accompanist. My mother was so proud. She always sat on the front pew at church and told innocent bystanding visitors that I was her son. “He’s our little musician.”
Throughout the years, I would go on to break my mother’s heart a million times. After my father took his own life, Mama became a single mother. She struggled to make ends meet, cleaning condos. I threw my education away and dropped out of school. I helped pay rent.
As a teenager, I took my piano and guitar into dens of iniquity. I played in beer joints because I’ve had a lifelong love affair with Willie Nelson. I sang cheating songs and drinking songs that shamed my mother.
By the time I was a married man, I was a loser without a high-school diploma. I had no pot to you-know-what in, and no proverbial window to throw it out of.
I was a construction worker. I hung gutter. I scooped ice cream. I flipped burgers. I even did a short stint as a telemarketer.
In my late 20s, I decided I wanted to go to college. My mother paid for my first class. It cost her almost $100 for the first semester. That was a lot of money for a cleaning lady.
The first class I took was Creative Writing. The first essay I wrote was about a woman named Mama. The essay had water spots on it when I turned it in.
That one essay would change my life. Writing itself would change my life. Writing would lead me into producing newspaper columns. Which would lead me into doing speaking engagements. Which led to doing a one-man musical show, where I would tell stories and play an old Gibson guitar.
Over the last decade, I have taken this pitiful one-man show to 39 different U.S. states. I have played Mama’s guitar all over the Union. And just yesterday morning, my wife got an email.
My wife read this email aloud.
“Dear Sean and Jamie,” the letter read, “‘The Grand Ole Opry’ would be thrilled if Sean would appear on the show… Please let us know some dates that might work for you.”
I cried. My wife cried. My God. This had to be a joke. But it wasn’t.
The first person I texted was Mama. There were streams running down my cheeks as I thumb-typed on my phone.
In only point-two nanoseconds, my mother responded: “That’s Mama’s little musician,” she wrote.
So here’s to the woman who changed my diapers at the feet of the Oak Ridge Boys; who introduced me to Minnie Pearl; who made me what I am; who foolishly believed in her failure of a son, even when nobody else did, not even himself. Happy birthday, Mama.
Listen for your name on the air.
161 comments
Lynn - December 13, 2022 6:52 am
It’s so nice to hear of such a great thing happening for you!! I feel like a friend just won the lottery!! I hope you enjoy every minute of it.
PMc - December 13, 2022 7:02 am
Congrats Sean!!!! Mama knows best, and you can never say another word about you being a nobody. You truly are” a real boy “if the opry wants you!
Peace and Love from Birmingham🙏♥️
Patrick Taylor - December 13, 2022 7:03 am
Now how cool is that? Sean, we are celebrating with you!!! Awesome!!
Larry E. Notestine - December 13, 2022 7:12 am
For those who won’t give up, whose Mama never gave up, you might just be on the Opry one day. Good luck, Sean.
Anne Arthur - December 13, 2022 7:27 am
That’s what a Mama’s love does to her little ones: it makes them fly high. Congratulations, Sean, and kudos to your Mama for being who she is. A wonderful woman!
Peggy - December 13, 2022 7:28 am
Is your mama’s birthday really Dec. 12? That’s mine too.
Gwen - December 13, 2022 8:07 am
What a good Mama!!! And congratulations!!,
Jo Terry - December 13, 2022 8:14 am
This was one of your best! As a mama, it certainly played on my own heartstrings. Congratulations on “doing the Opry.” What a magnificent and well-earned accomplishment!!! 🎉🎊🎶🎉🎵👏
Lander - December 13, 2022 8:31 am
What’s the date you’ve been invited to play? Any chance it will be with the Oak Ridge Boys?
Donna Rotenberry - December 13, 2022 8:34 am
Don’t ever stop writing. In my sleepless time in the early morning I read your commentaries to boost my thoughts as I deal with depression. Thank you.
Mary Barlow - December 13, 2022 8:50 am
Kinda ugly crying with this one! Thank you for sharing your heart with us! I’m glad you’re loving Birmingham, where I’m from. Please come to New Orleans, where we’ve been for 27 years. (I still consider Alabama my home and God’s Country😉)
joseph - December 13, 2022 8:52 am
Dear Sean,
First time commenting, long time reading. This is an amazing full circle story. Thank you for sharing. I hope to be at your opry Show when you’re in town.
Donna - December 13, 2022 10:01 am
Congratulations!! Dreams do com true!! I know your Mama is proud!
Debbie - December 13, 2022 10:05 am
Congratulations, Sean! Congratulations to “Mama”. Sean, your triumphs are her triumphs. I love your mama. If we all had a mother to believe in us as yours does in you, well, how much better this world would be.
Cm - December 13, 2022 10:20 am
❤️
Leigh Amiot - December 13, 2022 10:26 am
And do let us know those dates.
Congratulations!!!
Christmas came early to the Dietrich family!
Christina Connors - December 13, 2022 10:28 am
I love this! I found you by accident on FB a few years ago and have followed you ever since. You are so incredibly talented and an inspiration to so many. 💗
Alan Day - December 13, 2022 10:34 am
Congrats. No one deserves that stage more. Let us know when you’ll be on.
Marcia MacLean - December 13, 2022 10:53 am
As Sean’s number one fan, I am busting buttons with happiness for you two! What a great birthday gift for your mama. I attended Vince Gill and Amy Grant ‘s show last night at the Ryman. Can’t wait to see you there one day.
Trudy - December 13, 2022 10:54 am
Congratulations Sean and Jamie. What a thrill
to play the Opry. I’m so happy for you.
Happy Birthday to Mama.
Sandy - December 13, 2022 11:08 am
I saw the title and thought, “This one won’t make me cry.” I was wrong. God bless your Mama, Sean, and God bless you for appreciating her.
Lisa D - December 13, 2022 11:10 am
Oh my gosh, just tell me when…I’ll be there!!
Erin - December 13, 2022 11:10 am
Congratulations!
Jo Ann - December 13, 2022 11:11 am
Happy Birthday, Sean’s Mama!!
Dolores - December 13, 2022 11:20 am
A beautiful tribute to your Momma, I say she has her best birthday present ever.
A ‘for true’ education is important but so is family. In my mom and dad’s generation (children of the Great Depression) many ‘threw away their educations’ in order to eat.
Through their sacrifices they learned humility and compassion. These are the treasured highlights of your stories too. If I wish anything for my children it is to be good people. End of story.
God bless the broken roads…
Kim Powell - December 13, 2022 11:25 am
Ok, that made me cry❤️ I’m really proud of you!!
Rhonda Chavers - December 13, 2022 11:27 am
Wonderfully written!
Amanda ALLEN - December 13, 2022 11:30 am
I cried because I’m so happy for all of you!!!
Ernie in River City - December 13, 2022 11:31 am
Happy birthday to your mom and congratulations to the whole lot of you. What a great recognition. We’ll deserved.
Ernie in River City - December 13, 2022 11:33 am
I hate auto correct. *Well* deserved.
chris - December 13, 2022 11:34 am
How awesome!! Please let us know when….My great grandfather was a principal in the National Life Insurance company. I grew up at the Opry. I enjoyed the Franklin show but would love to see you on the “big stage”. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Pete Tucker - December 13, 2022 11:36 am
Sean, great testimonial! Thanks.
Deborah Boswell - December 13, 2022 11:43 am
Wow. Just wow. What a blessing your Mom has been in your life. I loved seeing you with Three On a String at the Lyric. God dies some pretty amazing things in our lives. You are a blessing to so many people. Thank you Sean.
Belinda - December 13, 2022 11:46 am
I just love your heart and your stories. ♥️❤️
Dianne Byers - December 13, 2022 11:50 am
Sean….. I read your articles every day and they make me laugh and cry happy tears most days. Today was one of those days! Our mothers sacrifice so much for us but they would not have it any other way! I know that yours is so proud of you in so many ways but The Opry!!!! Enjoy every nanosecond of that special time! I’m very excited that you shared this with us inspiring so many to not give up on your dreams! Thank you!
Vanessa - December 13, 2022 11:58 am
Wow, Sean! Congratulations! This is a very big deal!! You deserve this so much. And congratulations to your mother, as well. You have blessed my life each day for the past 4 years. Thank you!
Jan Burchfield - December 13, 2022 12:01 pm
Your writing touches my heart. God Bless you Sean.
Jean Sherrill - December 13, 2022 12:02 pm
Congratulations Sean!!! That is a great thing to happen to you and well deserved. I know your mama is absolutely thrilled!! Thanks for sharing with us.
Demetria McNeese - December 13, 2022 12:05 pm
This is a tremendous honor and well deserved. I do hope you will let us know the date. It sounds like a great reason to hit the road to Nashville.
Denise Burgess - December 13, 2022 12:06 pm
We want to know that date. Absolutely want tickets to that performance in that sacred hall! Congratulations. So well deserved.
Susan - December 13, 2022 12:10 pm
Awesome news!
Diana - December 13, 2022 12:12 pm
Wow! Congratulations, Sean! Good things happen to good people. Crying happy tears. Happy Birthday to Mama.
MermaidGr - December 13, 2022 12:20 pm
She’s a lucky mama to have you
Ellen Cameron - December 13, 2022 12:24 pm
Oh Sean!!! It is so difficult to express, in words, the love we have for our Mamas ….but you did it!
Happy Birthday to your Precious Mama!
Thank you and God Bless you!
mccutchen52 - December 13, 2022 12:25 pm
Congrats Sean. Please let us know so we can listen…
Tara Scogin - December 13, 2022 12:28 pm
This was such a good one. Congratulations!!
Maggie Rowe - December 13, 2022 12:29 pm
Thrilled for you, Sean!
Pamela - December 13, 2022 12:37 pm
A mama and son’s relationship is like no other ♥️ I know your mama is proud of you !! I love reading all of your stories, they always lift my spirit
Pam Crichton - December 13, 2022 12:38 pm
Sean, PLEASE let us know the date of when you will be on The Opry!!!!! We’ll be there‼️🤗👍👏
Joy Jacobs - December 13, 2022 12:47 pm
Wow. I love your mom. Happy Birthday ❤️
Ed (Bear) - December 13, 2022 12:53 pm
Congratulations Sean! Well deserved!!
You spread good love, and love responds!
Cyndy Clemens - December 13, 2022 12:57 pm
Your stories/universal truths are so powerful. I get a lump in my throat, at the very least, every time. God bless your pea-pickin heart!
Jean Daniel - December 13, 2022 1:04 pm
Wow! You deserve this honor! Just try not to mess in your pants during the performance! Proud of you, Sean!
Cheryl - December 13, 2022 1:04 pm
Oh, Sean! Every Mama wants to read a story like that. ❤️
Svetlana - December 13, 2022 1:06 pm
Happy Birthday & many Blessings, dear Mama!
Congratulations, Sean, on your invitation to the Opry. We can’t wait!
Bruce Lindquist - December 13, 2022 1:10 pm
Sean – I recently started reading your epistles. I think the first one showed up uninvited in my in box. Curiosity took over, and I’ve been hooked for the past 3-4 weeks. But, really,, you’ve got to stop this – cuz every other day, I start the day off with tears in my eyes!
I guess, since you are the writer, and I am only the reader, this should be about you, not me. So….Congratulations! we are proud to say we read your stuff! And, BTW Happy Birthday, Mama!!! Perhaps you should consider writing a book on how to raise a son!!!
Neil Joiner - December 13, 2022 1:14 pm
That’s great. Hope you’ll become a regular.
Linda Cook DeVona - December 13, 2022 1:20 pm
Congratulations, Sean! You made your Mama (and all of us ) proud!
Odell Frye - December 13, 2022 1:24 pm
Wow! Congratulations to your whole family. And Happy Birthday to your mama!
c lyn burnette - December 13, 2022 1:26 pm
Please, please, please let us know your Opry debut date! I’d love to try my darned-est to be there!
suzfrew - December 13, 2022 1:32 pm
Congratulations Sean and Jamie, and momma! I can’t even imagine the feelings you’re having, but this is so well-deserved! Please do keep us posted of when you’ll be at the Opry! We all want to be cheering!
Shaw Gookin - December 13, 2022 1:36 pm
Wow. Congratulations. What an incredible honor, what a great story.
What a great mama.
Barry - December 13, 2022 1:37 pm
In answer to George Jones song “Who’s gonna fill their shoes, who’s gonna stand up tall, who’s gonna play the Opry” —You Are
Tom T - December 13, 2022 1:44 pm
Iris Dement – “Oh, nothing on this earth is half as dear to me, as the sound of my Mama’s Opry.”
I’m sure Iris would appreciate your invitation to the Opry.
Gordon - December 13, 2022 1:50 pm
Mama’s. They are our best supporter and encourager. God bless your Mama
and wishing her a Happy Birthday; God bless all Mama’s. And congratulations to you for your upcoming Opry appearance.
Rob Crichton - December 13, 2022 1:55 pm
Please let us know when you are appearing on the Opry. My older brother played lead and rhythm guitar on the Opry in the early and mid sixties. He used to take me back stage and let me hang out. The Opry wasn’t a big deal in those days. It was a great experience. Good luck with your show . Merry Christmas.
Rob Crichton
Susan - December 13, 2022 1:57 pm
Congratulations 🙌🙌🙌!
Suzanne Cahill - December 13, 2022 1:57 pm
I’m drizzling happy tears as I type this. Congratulations on your upcoming debut at the Grand Ole Opry! So glad your Mama will be there to see you make your debut.
Pam Williams - December 13, 2022 1:57 pm
♥️ Congratulations!!!
Janet W - December 13, 2022 2:01 pm
Congratulations! Well deserved!
Rufus Ornduff - December 13, 2022 2:01 pm
Allways a heart felt story about real people that is what I love to read.
flkatmom - December 13, 2022 2:04 pm
Happy Birthday Mama & Congratulations to you both! I know she sure is proud of her little musician.
BJ Brandenburg - December 13, 2022 2:10 pm
So happy for you. You are fulfilling my dream. Couldn’t happen to anyone I’d be happier for than if it happened to me. Maybe I’m happier because I don’t have the stress wondering if I’d be an unfunny novitiate at the Mother Church. You will be wonderful.
My Dadaw was a musician. He could play any instrument known and some that were concocted just for giggles or just to show you could make music from anything. Or perhaps to show me that you could make something of yourself even if you felt like nothing.
I decided I wanted to play honky-tonk piano on the Opry a la Del Wood or smooth it out a bit like Floyd Cramer … just like Dadaw could. Genes are funny things. Sometimes they are evil. So I decided to be the next Dolly. She and Porter attended our little county fair for years. I wished Dolly no Ill will but had visions of her getting laryngitis and me taking the stage. Of course I lacked the requisite two big things. I couldn’t sing or play guitar with long nails on my S and H green stamp guitar. Thank you Momma for the best Christmas present ever. I’m sure you tasted stamp adhesive for weeks.
I decided to be a Comedian like my favorite classy lady Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon. A lot of jokes involved unique kin, baths in wash tubs, mules, and outhouses. Of which I had much practical experience and a name already – Winnie Opal. I tried my routine on Momma and I still fart Ivory soap bubbles 50 years since.
If you waded through this lagoon of letters to this point, you will already know that when you perform on the Opry, YOU will be representing a passel of folks that had a dream. Not as lofty as Dr. King’s, but on a personal level felt as strongly. A dream that a chubby kid (I, too, felt your pain.) from the poor side of the tracks in a town too poor to have tracks could scrub her face in the hand pumped cistern water in the enamel basin and take the stage. Congratulations and best wishes. Just don’t gag anyone.
Tell your Momma “Happy Birthday!” She must be so proud of her little musician.
Deborah Blount - December 13, 2022 2:11 pm
You are definitely your mama’s little musician, but you are ours too. Your conversations with your readers are music to our ears. Congratulations. But more importantly, Thank You!
MR - December 13, 2022 2:13 pm
Woohooo!!!! The Grand Ole Opry is exactly where you belong!!! They should have invited you a long time ago. You are the epitome of who should be singing and telling jokes on that stage. Mama is always right😉
Brad Armstrong - December 13, 2022 2:16 pm
Giddy up!
Bubba Stubbs - December 13, 2022 2:27 pm
What a TREMENDOUS compliment to you, Jamie and your Mama! Congrats from a couple of NW Florida “panhandlers”, Sean! Please let your readers know when you’re scheduled so that we can all tune in. God bless you for your witness to all of us!
Nancy - December 13, 2022 2:28 pm
Now I know exactly what to tell my family when asked what I want for Christmas! I just need the date to let them know what night to get my tickets for the Opry. I am proud for you, Jamie, and especially Mama.
Thank you for sharing your good news and happiness with your extended family. Means a lot.
Dana - December 13, 2022 2:37 pm
Amazing! & Happy Birthday to your sweet Mama!! …Well wishes from this dreamer in Thomasville, GA who hopes to one day stand on the opry stage.
Shana - December 13, 2022 2:37 pm
That took my breath away. Congratulations! Happy birthday to your precious Mama!
Renee Welton - December 13, 2022 2:39 pm
I am so happy for you, and your Sweet Mama💙💙💙
Dianne - December 13, 2022 2:49 pm
Sweet sweet story
Catherine Winters - December 13, 2022 2:50 pm
That’s huge!! Congratulations Sean and Jamie. I know you’ll soak up every second!
Brenda Smith - December 13, 2022 2:53 pm
Sweet Sean. You ripped my heart strings once again. Love what your Mama created!!!!! You’re an unbelievable man, and your heart is amazing.
Gwenith Norton - December 13, 2022 2:55 pm
That is so awesome! My girlfriends and I went to Nashville 7 years ago for my 60th birthday. We did Hattie AB’s hot chicken, good ol’ biscuits and gravy at the Loveless Cafe and botanical gardens. We were even on the radio with Buzz Brainard. But on our last night there, we went to the Opry. I couldn’t believe it! What an incredible place! I wish that I could be there again when you’re playing. You’d hear me over everyone else! Enjoy!
Louis Katz - December 13, 2022 2:58 pm
I don’t know when, and I don’t know how, but I hope to one day shake your hand. You’re a treasure.
Christine - December 13, 2022 3:02 pm
Happy 🎂 Birthday to your sweet Mama and her faith in her amazing son.
👏 Congratulations for a job well deserved.
Eve - December 13, 2022 6:17 pm
To Mrs. Dietrich:
For being the inspiring mama to your son.
For believing in him.
For fostering his talents.
For keeping on keeping on despite all.
We the adoring followers of your son Sean
express our deepest gratitude and admiration.
Love to you on this your birthday.
And every day. ❤️
virginia westlake - December 13, 2022 7:09 pm
Exactly! My thoughts!
Kenny and Jackie Barnes. - December 13, 2022 3:09 pm
Please publish the date of your performance. We live in Columbia, TN and will not miss your performance.
Kenny and Jackie.
Tom Wallin - December 13, 2022 3:21 pm
Congrats, Sean. hat is quite an honor. Please let us know what day you will appear so we can sing along with you.
Stacey Wallace - December 13, 2022 3:25 pm
Sean, congratulations! The Grand Ole Opry. Is lucky to have you. Happy Birthday to your loving Mama. Love to you, Jamie, and Marigold.
Ginga Smithfield - December 13, 2022 3:26 pm
You are a man after my own heart! You play the piano and guitar! You love The Oaks, Willie, and The Opry (I named my dog after Willie)!! You are a great writer, and you love your Mama!!! Well done, Sean!! Thank you for adding so much to my life!
C. V. Dickson - December 13, 2022 3:28 pm
Sean, be sure and tell us when Momma’s Little Musician will be on the Opry!
Elgin Clark - December 13, 2022 3:32 pm
Happy birthday Momma!
Barbara - December 13, 2022 3:35 pm
Blessings to your mama
David - December 13, 2022 3:58 pm
So proud for you Sean! Kudos to your mom. Merry Christmas!
Angela - December 13, 2022 4:00 pm
Oh my! What an honor and I know your mama is proud! Be sure to let us know when it will air so we can be sure to listen!
Karen Snyder - December 13, 2022 4:04 pm
What a testament to your mama’s love and faith in you, and to your talent! Great proof that wonderful things happen to good people. Happy Birthday to your mama and congratulations to you!
Dicki - December 13, 2022 4:40 pm
Sean thank you for being so appreciative of your mother. I am a single mother of a son who is 64. He shows me how he appreciated our two-som. I know everything will go well for you. I’m 89 (almost 90). I just started reading your emails. Had not heard of tomato gravy in many years. It was a treat during the depression.. keep those articles coming. They bring back so many memories I liked the way you gave an in depth description on sopping. We used that eating syrup. I’m from Louisiana and now live in Florida with my son.
In kindness,
Dicki
Patricia Gibson - December 13, 2022 4:44 pm
Happy Birthday to your Mom!!
sflouden - December 13, 2022 4:46 pm
Happy Birthday Mama….you raised a first class man!
H. J. Patterson - December 13, 2022 4:48 pm
Fantastic Sean and congratulations on a well deserved honor. You’ve arrived into another level my friend. Can’t wait to see it.
Eddy - December 13, 2022 5:00 pm
THAT’S AWESOME!! CONGRATULATIONS! BREAK A LEG! I watch THE OPRY on Circle and listen to it in the car when driving on Saturday nights. Good ole clear channel 650 AM. plus rebroadcasts during the week as I’m sure Y’all are aware. I’ve only been once back in 1994 at OPRYLAND. Porter Wagoner was hosting. Bill Monroe and his guys were performing, too. Sadly he passed away shortly thereafter. Thankfully Minnie Pearl was her funny, clever, and feisty self! She alone was worth the trip!! Our Mama went in 1967 when it was still at the Ryman(sp) auditorium. Also, thanks for always spelling MAMA correctly! Lori and I look forward to you and Jamie visiting the REAL Mississippi Delta again soon with guitar in hand. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!
Larry Wall - December 13, 2022 5:06 pm
Outstanding, Sean. Congratulations on the invite. And a very happy birthday wish for a good mom.
Love to your better half.
Donna Belcher - December 13, 2022 5:11 pm
Please, let us know when you will be at the Opry. We would love to watch it! Congratulations!
John Sewell - December 13, 2022 5:14 pm
I’ll be listening too ! Sean
Mamas, they keep the faith…
Lori - December 13, 2022 5:16 pm
We all are so proud for you and the Mrs – give your momma a hug for us. Now someone pass the Kleenex – “our” boy done good!!!!!
Kim Kennedy - December 13, 2022 5:40 pm
Happy Birthday to your Mama. I hope to see you at the Opry
Vince - December 13, 2022 5:48 pm
Not surprised about those water spots Your writing has a way of making water fall on the page/screen. But, please, don’t stop!
sjhl7 - December 13, 2022 5:48 pm
Congratulations, Sean & Jamie! So happy for you both. Happy Birthday to Sean’s Mama! Congratulations to you for raising such a fine son and a wonderful human being! May Blessings be followed by Blessings all the days of your lives.
Much love to you all.
Gary Fleming - December 13, 2022 5:55 pm
What an honor – congratulations Sean!
Maggie - December 13, 2022 6:07 pm
Let us know when you’ll be there❣️
Nelson Russell - December 13, 2022 6:22 pm
Please let your faithful readers know when you are scheduled on the Opry. We don’t want to miss it.
Peggy M. Windham - December 13, 2022 6:33 pm
Congratulations on being invited to the Opryland! Our mama’s are Angels! I sure miss mine!🥲
Lynne - December 13, 2022 6:37 pm
This story made me feel joyous. We believe in our boys even when they don’t believe in themselves. You are an extension of your mama. She’s always known. Congratulations!
Jim Sirman - December 13, 2022 6:43 pm
The kind of love that money could never buy.
Lisa Simmons - December 13, 2022 6:45 pm
Tell us before you go on.
Chip Fontaine - December 13, 2022 8:06 pm
When is your Grand Ole Opry performance and is there a way I can watch online, even if not live?
Ann - December 13, 2022 8:26 pm
You’re a fine son and you make me cry. I’m proud of you too….
MAM - December 13, 2022 8:29 pm
Well, I bawled at that one again from sheer happiness. I’m a mama, too, so I’m proud of you, Sean! And Happy Birthday to your mama!
Mike Johnston - December 13, 2022 8:48 pm
Congrats. Way cool!!!
Sandra Mattucci - December 13, 2022 9:08 pm
Well done Sean…continue to share ‘your’ song with the World!!!
Angie - December 13, 2022 9:10 pm
👏👏👏 Congrations
Linda Moon - December 13, 2022 9:16 pm
The first trip My Guy took to the Opry was a 400-mile round trip on the back of a pick-up truck with five of his kin. We’ll come see you at the Opry anytime you’re there, but we won’t be travelling in the back of a pick-up truck. Happy Birthday, Mrs. Dietrich, and thank you for the gift of your son!
Les Jantz - December 13, 2022 9:17 pm
Thankyou Sean for your gift to inspire with the reality of life. I’m from Nebraska (the good life) and recently traveled to Georgia and low and behold when had the opportunity to eat at a Waffle House and was impressed with the experience of the south and the food was delicious, so keep on keeping on promoting it. God bless Les Jantz
judythroneberry - December 13, 2022 9:23 pm
I hope that you will post the date you are performing so those who live close enough will be able to purchase tickets.
Mary Grider - December 13, 2022 9:44 pm
How exciting for your Mama! I taught first grade and many of my students have done well! I am always as thrilled as if they were my own, they were for most of the time that year! I am just excited for them as I am for my own two when something wonderful happens to them! Your Mama is floating on a cloud, and I don’t blame her!
Judy C Adams - December 13, 2022 9:59 pm
Congrats. GOD HAS HAD HIS HAND ON YOU A LONG TIME THANKS TO YOUR MOMS PRAYERS
David Bass - December 13, 2022 10:03 pm
Love this piece Sean! You’ll make us all proud at the Opry!
Ingrid B Whigham - December 13, 2022 10:50 pm
Life has a way of always surprising us. Congratulations!
Terri - December 13, 2022 11:52 pm
This has to be one of your best writings to date! How proud you have made your Mama!
pattymack43 - December 13, 2022 11:53 pm
It is a common failing for Mamas to love “their little _________.” Yet, the Bible tells us, “Love never fails!” Happy Birthday to a “loving Mama”!!!!!
Michael J. Walter - December 14, 2022 12:16 am
Sean, if you ever decide to give up writing….don’t
Carolyn Mundy - December 14, 2022 12:25 am
You and your Mom deserve this, congratulations and good luck!!
Glenda Davis - December 14, 2022 12:26 am
Saw you at the Lyric on Sunday afternoon and was blown away with your musical skills! you have a wonderful voice and it blended beautifully with the men who make up Three on a String.,.. and now on to the Grand Ole Orpry! Congratulations! I know the audience will love you and I know you are so happy that your mother is around to see all you have accomplished.
MissT - December 14, 2022 1:00 am
Sean, you done good! We are all, so clearly, proud of you! Now go out there and kill it! Happy birthday to Mama and Merry Christmas to you, Jaime, and all those sweet citters!
Harriet White - December 14, 2022 1:09 am
Congratulations. OMG. The Grand Ole Opry. Your Dad will hear you from above.
Joann Thompson - December 14, 2022 1:10 am
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the top of the charts!
BRENDA DAVIS - December 14, 2022 1:54 am
SUCH A BEAUTIFUL STORY ! GOD BLESS YOU !
Melissa Brown - December 14, 2022 2:04 am
Sean, you deserve this – Congratulations !!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Mama !!!
Neill Augustine - December 14, 2022 2:28 am
Which Oak Ridge Boy was it, Sean?
I’m bettin’ it was William Lee Golden, the “mountain man” with the mane of hair and the long beard.
Dewey Ray - December 14, 2022 3:05 am
Way to go Sean!!
conkledavid - December 14, 2022 3:09 am
Good on you .
Sandi. - December 14, 2022 3:13 am
Sean, please post the date you’re scheduled to appear on stage at the Grand Ole Opry! What an honor! Best wishes to your dear mama on her birthday, too.
davidpbfeder - December 14, 2022 3:34 am
As they say in Tennessee, MAZAL TOV!!
Dolores Fort - December 14, 2022 5:10 am
FANTASTIC!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
Please post when you will be appearing, would love to be able to listen.
Bobbi Lane - December 14, 2022 6:23 am
Congratulations!!
Julie Cotten - December 14, 2022 7:19 am
Great tribute to your mom, she deserves it. We will look forward to seeing you two at the Opry, congratulations!
Susan - December 14, 2022 10:49 am
Happy Birthday to your Mama, and huge CONGRATULATIONS to you, Sean. Receiving an invitation to perform at the Opry is an awesome honor. This I declare over you: You were born to be a blessing, and you’re living up to that now by blessing us every day. Thank you.💗
Debbie g - December 14, 2022 12:03 pm
Amen Susan. Big congratulations and love you Sean and Jamie
And happy birthday Mama
And love to all
Steve Winfield (lifer) - December 14, 2022 2:07 pm
You’ll own that place.
Darlene Humphries - December 14, 2022 2:35 pm
Wow!!! Congratulations and God bless your mother!!!!
Joel Knox - December 14, 2022 3:16 pm
Outstanding! Enjoy every minute!
Kevin Conklin - December 14, 2022 3:32 pm
That is just like God who always watches, never forgets and every once in awhile blesses us in ways that can only point to Him. So congratulations and soak it all in when you take your first look from the amazing stage. You earned it that’s for sure!
Terri Hinds - December 14, 2022 6:05 pm
shine on sean🙏🌞🌲
Susan - December 14, 2022 8:34 pm
Congratulations! I heard your show in Palatka, Florida when you did a benefit for the Lee Conlee House. You should be playing at the Grand Ole Opry! Woo hoo!!!
susanmac123 - December 16, 2022 12:26 am
Please let us know the date in advance. I would love to attend.
Chasity Davis Ritter - December 18, 2022 12:04 am
Just getting around to reading this. I know you’ve been posting pictures to your Facebook a lot lately. Please please please let me see one of your momma sitting on the front row when you play the Opry!
Carolyn Allen - January 14, 2023 4:57 am
God bless you, Sean, for honoring your Mama!
DiAn - March 24, 2023 6:11 am
Wow! Sean – This is Such Great and Incredible news!
We, your loyal SEastern fan base, will be rooting for you every step of the way to the Opry Stage and beyond!!
(Please keep on sharing your many adventures – your column is a highlight of my day!) If I weren’t deep into accident recovery mode, I’d be there cheering you on as your column has done for me so many times during the past 7 years of healing and recovery!!
So go forth – knowing there are many who wish you and Jamie the best as we all celebrate with you rejoicing in each tune you play!! Hooray!!