Vince Gill Honored with Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at CMA Awards 2025

Pudvi Times – Entertainment & Music

Nashville, TN: Country music veteran Vince Gill was awarded the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the CMA Awards 2025 on Wednesday, November 19, marking a remarkable milestone in his five-decade-long career.

Before Gill accepted the honor, a heartfelt musical tribute featured Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless performing his iconic single “When I Call Your Name”, paying homage to his enduring impact on country music.

Introduced by last year’s recipient, George Strait, Gill accepted the award with humor and humility, joking about being “pretty confident” that he is “the only one that’s ever won this award who’s never smoked any weed.” He then paid tribute to Willie Nelson, a friend of 50 years, highlighting his openness and dedication to family.

Gill also recognized the groups and people who shaped his career, from CMA teams and the Grand Ole Opry circle to his road crews and family. He mentioned each of his children by name and concluded with a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Amy Grant, calling her the “kindest soul” he has known.

The Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, introduced in 2012, has honored country music icons such as Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Loretta Lynn, Alan Jackson, and George Strait. CMA CEO Sarah Trahern praised Gill as “a true trailblazer, one who gives back to the community… embodying the very best of what Country Music stands for.”

Over his career, Vince Gill has won 22 Grammys and holds the CMA Song of the Year record with four wins. Other accolades include the Irving Waugh Award of Excellence (2014) and the CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award (2017). He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007, with a star later added to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

This year, Gill celebrated 50 years in music with his new EP series, 50 Years from Home, which kicked off with the single “I Gave You Everything I Had” on October 17. With the CMA tribute, Gill joins the ranks of country legends whose work continues to shape the genre as he enters his sixth decade in music.