Country Icon Vince Gill to Receive 2025 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award

Vince Gill will take center stage at the upcoming 59th Annual CMA Awards when he is honored with the 2025 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. 

The Country Music Association announced the news today, revealing that he will be honored during “Country Music Biggest Night” with a special tribute performance. 

“Vince embodies the very best of what Country Music stands for,” says 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.” 

According to the Country Music Association, “The CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded 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 the bill.  As one of Country Music’s most celebrated artists, the Oklahoma native has released 20 albums, sold more than 30 million records, and charted 45 singles. His heartfelt songwriting, signature tenor voice, and masterful guitar work have made him a fan favorite, while his warmth, humility, and quiet humor have endeared him to generations of listeners and fellow artists.

Gill’s versatility has also carried him into several iconic bands, including Pure Prairie League, The Cherry Bombs, and The Time Jumpers. In 2017, he joined the Eagles on tour, a role he continues to fill today. Marking 50 years of performing, he’s curating a series of themed EPs titled 50 Years from Home, with the first installment, I Gave You Everything I Had, arriving October 17 on MCA Records.

Gill’s breakthrough came with 1990’s “When I Call Your Name,” which earned CMA Single and Song of the Year as well as a GRAMMY for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male. He has since collected 22 GRAMMY Awards and 18 CMA Awards, including a record four wins for Song of the Year. He also shares the record for most CMA Awards hosting gigs, leading the show from 1992 through 2003.

His honors continue with the CMA Irving Waugh Award of Excellence (2014), the CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award (2017), four CMA Triple Play Awards, and a 2021 GRAMMY for Best Country Solo Performance with “When My Amy Prays.” Gill was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012. 

Previous recipients of the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award include Willie 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).  

Hosted by Lainey Wilson, “The 59th Annual CMA Awards” will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Wednesday, Nov. 19 on ABC and next day on Hulu.