NASHVILLE – The Country Music Association (CMA) has announced that Vince Gill will receive the 2025 Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
This prestigious award, according to the CMA, “is given to an iconic artist who has attained the highest degree of recognition in Country Music. 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. 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.”
Vince Gill certainly fits that bill.
With a career spanning nearly 50 years, Gill has released 20 albums, sold more than 30 million records, and had 45 singles chart on country music lists. Throughout his career, he has been part of several bands, including Pure Prairie League, The Cherry Bombs, and The Time Jumpers.
His accomplishments include winning 22 Grammy Awards and 18 CMA Awards, notably setting a record by winning CMA Song of the Year four times — more than any artist in CMA’s history. In addition, Gill hosted the CMA Awards from 1992 to 2003.
“Vince embodies the very best of what Country Music stands for,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern. “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. We’re honored to celebrate an artist whose influence is so deeply woven into the fabric of our format.”
On The Red Carpet’s George Pennacchio spoke with Gill at the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards, where he performed alongside Lainey Wilson during the In Memoriam segment. Reflecting on the evolution of country music, Gill said, “Inclusion is the key to life in a big way, you know. If you’re welcoming instead of casting people aside, you don’t stand to survive if you take the latter. I think it’s been a great study in welcoming all things.”
Fans can watch Vince Gill receive the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award during the “59th Annual CMA Awards,” hosted by Lainey Wilson. The show airs November 19 at 8 p.m. EST / 7 p.m. CST on ABC.
For a complete list of nominees, click HERE.
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