NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (AHN) -- Country group Rascal Flatts was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday as the esteemed Nashville music hall celebrated its 86th birthday. Vince Gill surprised the band with an invitation to join the band during their performance on Sept. 27.

The trio that makes up the group include Gary LaVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney. Fellow Opry winner Little Jimmy Dickens had the honor of inducting the three.

Rascal Flatts' induction was part of an Opry birthday bash televised live on GAC: Great American Country.

The Ohio-based group has a huge following and many supporters worldwide. But the group's most famous and notable fan may just be former president George W. Bush, who surprised the group with a video tribute in which he praised the men for their charitable work.

"We are fans of Gary, Jay and Joe Don. We love their music, and we also love their compassion and generosity. So thanks for your example of excellence and patriotism. And congratulations as well as a hardy welcome to the Opry," Bush said, speaking also for his wife Laura.

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