CMA honors Gill with Willie Nelson Award

Gill will accept the honor during The 59th Annual CMA Awards, following a special tribute performance at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 19 on ABC and next day on Hulu.

"Vince embodies the very best of what country music stands for," said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "He's a true trailblazer, one who gives back to the community, honors the roots of our genre and even now, continues to share his talent with fans across the globe. As a Country Music Hall of Fame member, 18-time CMA Award winner, and former 12-time CMA Awards host, he remains a vibrant force in our industry, and we're honored to celebrate an artist whose influence is so deeply woven into the fabric of our format."

The CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded to an artist who has attained the highest degree of recognition in country. The award recognizes those who have "achieved both national and international prominence and stature through concert performances, humanitarian efforts, philanthropy, streaming numbers, record sales and public representation at the highest level," according to the CMA. "The artist receiving this award has positively impacted and contributed to the growth of the genre over the course of many years and has proven to have an unprecedented historical impact on fans and industry alike."

Previous recipients include Nelson (2012), Kenny Rogers (2013), Johnny Cash (2015), Dolly Parton (2016), Kris Kristofferson (2019), Charley Pride (2020), Loretta Lynn (2021), Alan Jackson (2022) and George Strait (2024).

An Oklahoma native, he has released 20 albums, sold more than 30 million records, and charted 45 singles. His musicianship and versatility have also led him to be a key member of Pure Prairie League, The Cherry Bombs and The Time Jumpers. In 2017, Gill was also invited to join the Eagles on tour, and he continues to tour with the band. Gill, who has been performing for 50 years, is also honoring this career milestone by curating a series of EPs to be released on MCA Records over the course of a year. Thematically titled "50 Years from Home," the first EP of the series, "I Gave You Everything I Had," was released Oct. 17.