Country music legend Alan Jackson has received the inaugural “Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award” at the Academy of Country Music Awards.
The Academy said in a statement that it chose Jackson as the first recipient and award namesake “in recognition of his outstanding achievements and enduring legacy in country music,” noting that his career “has become a cornerstone of the genre.” His “heartfelt lyrics,” “humble demeanor,” “devotion to songwriting,” “relatability and timeless sound” were also cited in naming the award for Jackson, who the Academy applauded for his “unmatched ability to preserve and celebrate the traditional yet iconic essence of country music.” The honor will be bestowed in the years to come as deemed appropriate by the organization’s Special Awards Committee.
The show host Reba McEntire presented Jackson with the titular award following an emotional performance of his 2003 ballad “Remember When.” Jackson brought levity to his speech, noting, “A few years ago, one of my fans named their dog after me, and I thought that was something! But this is really amazing.”
“I came to Nashville with a paper sack full of songs and a crazy dream, and all these years later [to be] standing here receiving such an honor like this is just mind-blowing,” he said. “Thank you all so much for this honor and for all the years!!”
“I thank God all the time for all the people that helped me get here and maintain this. I can’t even begin to thank everybody…but I especially want to thank my fans all over this country – and all over the world – that have appreciated my music so much,” he continued before singling out his wife, Denise – “my best friend since I was 17 years old” – in the front row. “She’s loved me through the good and the bad and the happy and the sad and has influenced me, given me three beautiful daughters, and helped me keep my feet on the ground all these years, and I wouldn’t be here without her.”
The award will be bestowed upon an iconic artist, duo, or group who have achieved both national and international prominence and stature through concert performances, philanthropy, record sales, streaming numbers, and public representation. The artist will have positively impacted and contributed to the growth of country music.
Jackson has received 21 prior ACM Awards throughout his career, 17 competitive trophies and five special awards, beginning with 1991’s Top New Male Vocalist. He’s a four-time recipient of the Single of the Year award and a three-time Album of the Year and Top Male Vocalist winner. In 2024, he was honored with the ACM’s Poet’s Award for the impact of his songwriting.
On May 17, Jackson will perform the final scheduled concert on his Last Call: One More for the Road Tour at Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s Fiserv Forum.
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