Tim McGraw celebrates Country Music Hall of Fame induction: 'I’ve gotta prove I belong here now!'

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Tim McGraw is treating his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame as a beginning rather than a finish line, telling PEOPLE that the honor "makes me want to live up to it."

The country superstar was officially announced as a new inductee on Friday, March 20, alongside Paul Overstreet and the Stanley Brothers.

Tim McGraw reflects on joining his idols in the Hall of Fame Rotunda

For Tim McGraw, the reality of joining country music’s most exclusive circle is still sinking in.

During the official announcement in Nashville, the 58-year-old admitted that while he had imagined this day, he wasn't sure it would happen during his lifetime.

Standing in the Hall of Fame Rotunda, McGraw was visibly moved as he realized his plaque would eventually hang alongside his idols. 

"I just had to stop in front of Merle Haggard’s plaque because he’s been my number one all time forever," McGraw said. "And to stand there just for a brief second, I gave myself a moment to think that I’m gonna be hanging forever in the same room with Merle Haggard."

Tim McGraw credits his success to the women in his life, especially wife Faith Hill

The emotional weight of the honor was most apparent when Tim McGraw spoke about his family, particularly his wife, Faith Hill.

He fought back tears as he credited her for his personal and professional survival, noting her role in supporting his career during their nearly 30-year marriage.

"I wouldn't be standing here today if it weren’t for great women in my life," he told the crowd, "from my grandmother to my mom, my sisters, my daughters, and most of all, to my wife. Thank you, baby. I would not be standing here today if it wasn't for you, nor would I want to be."

While McGraw was the man of the hour, he insisted that seeing Hill one day receive the same honor would be even more meaningful to him. “When I’m sitting out here,” he said, motioning to the center of the room, “and Faith is at the podium. I can’t wait. That’ll be a bigger moment than this.”

Tim McGraw always feels like he can get better

Despite reaching the peak of the genre, Tim McGraw does not view this induction as a reason to slow down.

He first learned the news during a phone call while walking through New York City, an experience that left him "sobbing on the street." Now that the news is public, he feels a renewed sense of purpose to continue earning his place among the legends.

“I always feel like I can get better, and I feel like I’ve got a lot of runway left in my career, in my life, and so what this does for me is it makes me want to live up to it. It’s new juice, I guess. I’ve gotta prove I belong here now!” the 'Don't Take the Girl' crooner said. 

McGraw has a lot coming up to keep his momentum going, including a summer tour, new recordings, and acting projects. He is excited about the energy this honor brings as he moves into the next stage of his career. "It’s gonna be a busy couple of years,” he shared.