Ahead of the official opening of its America Currents: The Music of 2018 exhibit on Friday (March 8), the Country Music Hall of Fame offered a first look at the memorabilia on display. Many of the artists included in the showcase stopped by the Hall of Fame to take a peek at the items, and reflect on what it means to be included in the retrospective on the most memorable country music moments of the last year.

"Well, it's a huge thrill," Reba McEntire commented to News Channel 5 on the event's red carpet. The country legend contributed the blue dress and rainbow sash she wore as a 2018 Kennedy Center honoree to the exhibit.

"Any time I can put some of my memorabilia in the Country Music Hall of Fame for the fans to look at, I am always willing," McEntire adds, "because without the fans, we wouldn't have a job."

McEntire goes on to say that walking through the exhibit caused her to reflect on what an eventful year 2018 was for country music: "[It's] mind-boggling. I couldn't believe how much went on last year, and how very successful so many different artists were last year," she admits. "It was a great year for music."

Along with McEntire, numerous other country stars also turned out to take in the exhibit. Kane Brown, Tyler Mahan Coe, Sierra Hull and more stopped by the Country Music Hall of Fame to check out their contributions and reflect on the past year in their careers and in the format. Flip through the photo gallery below to see some of the best snapshots from the event, and get a sneak peek inside the exhibit.

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