LeAnn Rimes Delivers Tearful Tribute to Patsy Cline With a Medley of Her Songs
Last Updated Oct. 20, 2025 — By Miranda Raye
LeAnn Rimes paid a moving tribute to one of her greatest musical heroes in 2013, honoring the incomparable Patsy Cline during the American Country Awards. The moment was equal parts performance and reverence—an artist saluting a legend whose voice helped shape country music forever.
Tasked with performing a medley of Cline’s classics, Rimes stepped onto the stage and guided the audience through some of the most beloved songs in the genre’s history. She opened with “Leavin’ On Your Mind,” a song etched into the hearts of longtime country fans, before moving into other staples of Cline’s catalog.
At the center of the tribute was “Crazy,” arguably Patsy Cline’s most iconic recording. Though it later became the song most closely associated with Cline, “Crazy” never reached No. 1 on the charts—a reminder that chart positions don’t always reflect cultural impact. In fact, Cline scored only two No. 1 hits during her career: “I Fall to Pieces” and its immediate follow-up, “She’s Got You.”
Rimes also wove in “Sweet Dreams” and “Walkin’ After Midnight,” creating a medley that felt less like a cover and more like a heartfelt conversation across generations.
A Personal Connection to a Country Legend
Rimes was a natural choice for the tribute, not only because of her voice, but because of her long-standing connection to Cline’s music. She has often spoken openly about how deeply she admires Cline and the influence her recordings had on her own development as a singer.
Over the years, fans have also noted the similarities between Rimes’ breakout hit “Blue” and the emotional depth of Cline’s work. While songwriter Bill Mack has denied the long-circulated rumor that “Blue” was originally intended for Cline, the story has only strengthened the symbolic bond fans feel between the two artists.
That sense of history was woven into every detail of Rimes’ performance. Filmed in black and white, the tribute carried a vintage, timeless atmosphere. Rimes wore an elegant white gown with her hair styled in a classic updo, and she sang into an antique-style microphone that further evoked the golden era of country music.
As she moved through the medley, emotion overtook her. Tears welled in her eyes as she sang, and when the final note faded, she could no longer hold them back. Rimes broke down openly, overwhelmed by the weight of the moment and the legacy she had just honored.
Those small, thoughtful touches turned the performance into something unforgettable. It wasn’t just a tribute—it was a reminder of how Patsy Cline’s voice continues to live on through artists like LeAnn Rimes.
Watch the full performance below, and it’s hard not to feel that Patsy Cline herself would have been proud.