Vince Gill delivers heartfelt speech at the CMAs after winning ‘Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award’
At the CMAs in Nashville on November 19th, Eagles‘ Vince Gill delivered a stirring speech upon being awarded with the ‘Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award’.
The event took place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville and was broadcast live on ABC, with Gill picking up the prestigious prize that Nelson was the inaugural winner in 2012. Notable other previous winners include Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, George Strait, and Kenny Rogers.
Upon accepting the award, Gill joked, “This is amazing. And I’m pretty confident I’m the only one that’s ever won this award that’s never smoked any weed.”
He then spoke about his friendship with Nelson, sharing, “But the man that is on this is a long, long friend. 50 years we’ve known each other.” Gill continued, “I adore him but I admire most about him is his willingness to include his family.”
Gill then repaid his gratitude to the CMAs for putting their faith in him and letting him host the ceremony on 12 occasions, stating, “It might’ve been the dumbest thing they ever did, trusting my ass with their show. And every year, all I tried to do was make us all look good.”
After continuing to thank those involved with the Grand Ole Opry and his management team, Gill said of his family, “My five kids, Jenny and her husband, Josh, Matt and Olivia, Millie and Ben, Sarah and Jordan and our youngest Karina, her boyfriend, Vance.”
He also said of his wife, Amy Grant, “But more than anything, the woman I’m married to is the kindest soul I’ve ever known.”
Gill concluded by again honouring Nelson, adding, “So, Willie, if you’re out there listening, 92 years old, you’re still inspiring us to this day. God bless.”
This year’s CMAs was Lainey Wilson’s night to remember. Not only was the country superstar on hosting duties, but she won the awards for ‘Entertainer of the Year’, ‘Female Vocalist of the Year’, and her album Whirlwind was named ‘Album of the Year’.
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