Over a decade after its release,
MercyMe's iconic hit "I Can Only Imagine" continues to make history today as it was named the Official State Inspirational Song of Oklahoma by Governor Mary Fallin.
RELATED: 'I Can Only Imagine' Hits High Note as No. 1 New Indie Film, Top 3 Overall
The movie of the same name, chronicling the life of MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard and the deeply-personal story behind the song, was filmed in Oklahoma and is currently shattering box office expectations with over $70 million to date. Following the unprecedented success of the song that launched the band's career in 2001, the
I Can Only Imagine film broke records of its own in theaters as the third-biggest film shot in Oklahoma and No. 3 all-time among Hollywood music biopic films.
An official presentation of the proclamation is set to happen this weekend during MercyMe's show at Frontier City Amusement Park in Oklahoma City. "This song has its roots in Oklahoma and in the midst of these troubling times, what better time to focus on a song so full of hope? It represents our faith, our hope, and where our peace can be found," state
Rep. John Paul Jordan told Tulsa World.
In addition to the movie's success, MercyMe recently released a brand new recording of the legendary song with their
I Can Only Imagine -- The Very Best Of MercyMe collection. Also in conjunction with the release,
Millard debuted his book,
I Can Only Imagine: A Memoir, that digs even deeper into the story behind the song. MercyMe wrapped up their spring headlining tour alongside Tenth Avenue North and Tim Timmons last weekend, with the recent announcement of their fall
Imagine Nation Tour. Click
here for tickets and dates.
