George Strait Accepts Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award Following All-Star Tribute at the 2024 CMA Awards

The 58th annual CMA Awards was a night full of honors, but there was no greater accolade than the one that went to George Strait.

The oft-dubbed "King of Country Music" was awarded the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, but not before first being honored by those he has inspired over the course of his four-decade-long career.

A cast of country stars stepped into the spotlight during the Wednesday night (Nov. 20) ceremony to pay tribute to the hero and hitmaker.

First up was Lainey Wilson, who kicked off the celebration with a simple rendition of the legend's sweeping 1982 ballad, 'Amarillo By Morning'. Flanked by a guitar and a fiddle player, the brief display was, all at once, staggering and sweet.

Soon after, the camera panned to reveal singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson, armed with an acoustic guitar and backed by a full band. Together, they gave a shuffling rendition of Strait's 2006 opus, 'Give It Away'. Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum joined in shortly after. Both donning classic all-black Stetsons à la Strait, they gave a stirring showcase of the honoree's ‘Troubadour’ from his 2008 album of the same name.

Another quick camera maneuver and the Man of the Hour appeared under the spotlight. He was accompanied by Chris Stapleton. Together, they put on a show, performing their 2024 collaboration, ‘Honky Tonk Hall of Fame’.

His duet partner was the one to hand him the crystalline award, which he accepted with a few grateful words.

"First of all, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ," Strait said. "I want to thank the CMAs for adding my name to the incredible artists on this small list of recipients, carrying the name of the icon, Willie Nelson."

Turning to the star-studded group that surrounded him on stage, he continued, "I want to thank all of these great artists who performed some of my songs that I've recorded over the years. It's amazing to hear y'all do them. I'm glad I got them before you."

Strait went on to thank friends, family and those who have helped make his career the legendary one it is today.

The Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award doesn't go to just anyone. The exclusive honor is meant to recognize 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.

The few honorees to have received the award – Willie Nelson (2012), Kenny Rogers (2013), Johnny Cash (2015), Dolly Parton (2016), Kris Kristofferson (2019), Charley Pride (2020), Loretta Lynn (2021) and Alan Jackson (2022) – have all had a notable impact on country music, contributing to the growth of the genre and impacting its fans and the industry alike.

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