Kathy Mattea

Very few West Virginians represent our beloved Mountain State in as heartfelt a fashion as Kathy Mattea. It seems like only yesterday that the South Charleston-native and two-time Grammy winner set the world of country music on fire with “18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses,” but in reality, that was four ACM’s, four CMA’s, and a West Virginia Music Hall of Fame-induction ago. 

In 2021, Kathy’s career-long connection to the Mountain Stage radio program saw her return home to the Mountain State, as she became the show’s new host, and West Virginia’s newest ambassador to the world. And just this past Saturday, Kathy was recognized as one of the greatest country performers of all time, as she became the newest inductee into the world famous Grand Ole Opry. 

And what did Kathy do to celebrate this monumental milestone in her life and career? She invited her good friend Suzy Boggess to be inducted right along with her. 

For being a source of pride for our state, and an inspiration for aspiring musicians in every holler of West Virginia, we are oh so happy to name Kathy Mattea as the certified Real West Virginian of the Week.

Have someone you’d like to nominate? Email us at news@therealwv.com.