Grand Ole Opry Wishes Granted

1/18/2008 Stephen L. Betts   While Charlie Daniels' dream of becoming a Grand Ole Opry member will come true tomorrow night, it's another man's Opry-related wish that has touched a lot of hearts. The current film, The Bucket List, features Jack Nicholson as a cancer patient attempting to accomplish his remaining goals before his death, but for Steve Johnson of West Virginia, the film’s scenario is all too real.  The 50-year-old, who has cancer, was featured in a Charleston Gazette story on Christmas Eve, revealing he has three wishes on his own list that he hopes to accomplish in his lifetime. He’s already crossed two of them off - visiting with his son and daughter for the first time since his divorce in 1997, and taking a fishing trip. And for helping to make the third – a visit to Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry - happen, Steve has Brad Paisley's tour manager to thank. While searching for West Virginia University football coverage online, Brent Long happened upon Steve Johnson’s story and immediately got in touch with him. When asked to choose the date for the Opry performance he wanted to attend, Steve chose this Saturday night (1/19) – the night Charlie Daniels will be inducted as an Opry member. Because there were no complimentary tickets left for the show, Brent paid for three tickets for Steve out of his own pocket. Steve's wife and his landlord plan to split the driving to make sure arrives in Music City in time for the show. “The Lord is going to see that I make it,” Steve told the Gazette this week. “I might not make it back, but I'll get there. Dying can wait.” Marty Stuart, Connie Smith and Montgomery Gentry will be on hand for the portion of the Opry that includes Charlie Daniels’ induction segment. It airs on GAC's Opry Live! at 8 p.m. (ET) Saturday night.