NASHVILLE — The Country Music Association has announced that Vince Gill will receive the 2025 Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award, according to the association, “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.”
Gill certainly fits that bill. He’s been performing for nearly 50 years and in that time, he’s released 20 albums, sold more than 30 million records and had 45 singles make the charts. He’s been part of several bands, including Pure Prairie League, The Cherry Bombs and The Time Jumpers. He’s won 22 Grammys and 18 CMA Awards, including winning CMA Song of the Year a record-setting four times, more than any artist in CMA’s history. He also hosted the CMA Awards from 1992-2003.
“Vince embodies the very best of what Country Music stands for,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern in a statement. “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.”
On The Red Carpet’s George Pennacchio spoke with Gill at the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards, where he was performing with Lainey Wilson during the In Memoriam segment. He reflected on how country music has changed over the years.
“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,” he said. “I think it’s been a great study in welcoming all things,” he said.
Watch Gill receive the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award when the “59th Annual CMA Awards,” hosted by Lainey Wilson, airs November 19 at 8pm EST/7pm CST on ABC. You can see a full list of nominees
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