October 1, 2026

Hi Gang:

I know what you are expecting. You’re expecting me to start off this month’s newsletter the same way I do every October…by telling you it’s my favorite month of the year. This year, though, I think I’ll skip that part and jump straight into the deep end of the pool.

(But just in case you’re wondering, this is “still” my favorite month and favorite season of them all!)

September was busy although I didn’t appear on the Grand Ole Opry or engage in any live performances at all. I did write several new songs, though, and enjoyed having a few of my new co-writes recorded: Those include “Today’s A Good Day” by Theo Lawrence  (many of you have written to say how much you like this record and especially appreciate the fact that it’s “country.” I can’t argue with you there); a second song this year by Rhonda Vincent for the upcoming Jeannie Seely tribute album; and a new group that’s been on the Opry several times lately, the Shootouts, cut a new song they wrote with me and Bobby Tomberlin. I love all this new music activity…it’s a big part of what keeps me going!

I plan to go back to the Opry this month for two shows on the 3rd, which is the night of the Opry’s 101st birthday celebration, one show on Halloween night, the night before my birthday, and on November 6th when the Opry will feature Steven Curtis Chapman and his family, including his adopted daughters. The show that night will focus on adoption, and since I have an adopted granddaughter, they’ve invited me to take part. I haven’t promised Sophie that she can come onstage and sing, but I’ve told her the night is dedicated to people like her and she’s excited to be going with me. Stay tuned.

The dates aren’t locked in yet, but I hope to do an Opry Christmas show or two during the holiday season as well. How can I not sing “Po’ Folks Christmas” (Ho-Ho-Ho we was Po’-Po’-Po’) and “Waffle House Christmas?” It wouldn’t be Christmas without those two holiday bell-ringers, now would it?

Bobby Tomberlin and I are driving down to Ft. Payne, Alabama, this week to visit and write with our buddy, Randy Owen, head man from the group Alabama. Both of us are looking forward to that. And it wouldn’t be the Dailey & Vincent Show on RFD-TV every week without the sponsorship of Gus Arrendale and our friends at Springer Mountain Farms chicken. I just recorded a couple of new SMF “Ambassador commercials” for the shows (there’s a picture in our photo section) and you should be seeing those soon.

Even when I’m not touring or appearing at the Opry I manage to stay busy. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Right now I’d better get busy with the rest of our newsletter. Thanks for joining us, and I’ll look forward to seeing you right back here again in November. Enjoy the month, and Go Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs!!