Vince Gill was on hand to accept the 2025 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at Wednesday night's CMA Awards in downtown Nashville.

Brandi Carlile started the tribute off with a soaring version of "When I Call Your Name," joined by Patty Loveless, who provided an aching country harmony as Gill watched entranced from the audience, visibly moved.

He was even more emotional when George Strait walked out in a surprise appearance, gushing over his longtime friend's singing, songwriting and guitar playing and saying there is "not a more deserving person" of the honor.

Gill once again demonstrated the self-deprecating wit that served him so well when he hosted the CMA Awards for 12 years.

"I'm pretty confident that I'm the only one who's ever won this award that's never smoked a

See Full Page