My eyes popped when I saw the latest addition to the musical acts that will play at Joe Biden's inauguration on Wednesday.
Sure, some of the names - Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez - have been known for a while and are hardly a surprise. A lot of the big-name stars in music and Hollywood have been unabashed supporters of the president-elect.
An unexpected name cropped up Monday.
Garth Brooks will perform. Yes, Garth Brooks, country megastar. Yes, lifelong Republican and Donald Trump supporter Garth Brooks.
Talk about friends in high places, right?
The recording artist who lost fans for voicing support for Trump is facing some backlash on social media from Trump supporters for accepting the invite to play Wednesday.
And friends, you know what? Let's applaud the decision.
From the Biden folks reaching across the aisle and trying to connect with fans of all types of recording artists, this is a solid step.
"I might be the only Republican at this place," Brooks said on social media, "but it's about reaching across and loving one another."
You bet it is.
Brooks added: "This is not a political statement. This is a statement of unity."
In the big picture it's barely a step in the marathon reconnection process we face as a nation, but regardless of the distance, it's assuredly in the right direction.
"I've played for every president there is, since [Jimmy] Carter, with the exception of [Ronald] Reagan. This is an honor for me to get to serve and it's one of the things that, if my family is around, no matter who the president-elect is, it's an honor to be asked," Brooks told reporters about playing at the event.
Again, he's 100 percent pitch perfect.
And for any Brooks fans or pro-Trump folks who may feel anything but proud that the country music act ever "crossed" a line, may I offer a short, recent-history quiz to take your temperature:
When Trump asked sports teams to come celebrate at the White House, and those teams refused said invitation, how did you respond?
Was it, "They may not agree with everything the president does, but they should respect the office" or something like that?
Because if that's your response, then Brooks is fulfilling every part of those exact words.
Especially respecting the office of the president.
And I for one am pleased about the openness of the offer, and the wisdom and character it took to accept it.
Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com.
Jay Greeson