Photos by John Russell / CMA

The Country Music Association announced today that Garth Brooks, Hargus "Pig" Robbins, and Connie Smith will become the newest members of the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame. The announcement was made by Kix Brooks this morning during a private press event in the Rotunda of the Country Music Hall of Fame. All three inductees were on hand for the announcement. Kix Brooks also moderated a panel with the inductees during the Ninth Annual CMA Artist Luncheon in the afternoon.

Garth Brooks will be inducted in the "Modern Era Artist" category, while Smith will be inducted in the "Veterans Era Artist" category. Robbins will be inducted in the "Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980" category, which is awarded every third year in a rotation with the "Non-Performer" and "Songwriter" categories. The new inductees will increase membership in the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame from 115 to 118 inductees.

Induction ceremonies for Garth Brooks, Robbins, and Smith will take place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum later this year. Since 2007, the Museum's Medallion Ceremony, an annual reunion of the Hall of Fame membership, has served as the official rite of induction for new members.

CMA created the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961 to recognize noteworthy individuals for their outstanding contributions to the format with Country Music's highest honor.