Nashville is getting ready for a powerful and emotional celebration as country music legend Vince Gill has been named the recipient of the 2025 Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. The honor will be presented during the 59th Annual CMA Awards, recognizing Gill’s extraordinary impact on country music and his decades of dedication to the genre.
The Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for artists who have reached the highest levels of achievement in country music while also giving back through service and humanitarian work. By selecting Gill, the Country Music Association is honoring a career built on musical brilliance, lasting influence, and deep generosity.
With more than 30 million albums sold, Vince Gill stands among the most decorated artists in country music history. He has earned 22 Grammy Awards — the most ever by a male country performer — along with 18 CMA Awards, including two wins for Entertainer of the Year. His signature mix of masterful guitar playing and heartfelt vocals has produced beloved classics like “When I Call Your Name,” “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” and “I Still Believe in You.”
Beyond the spotlight, Gill is widely known for his character and kindness. He has built a reputation as a mentor to younger artists and a dependable supporter of charitable causes, including benefit events and disaster relief efforts. That spirit of service closely reflects the legacy of the award’s namesake, Willie Nelson.
CMA CEO Sarah Trahern praised Gill’s legacy, saying his artistry has shaped generations and his generosity has strengthened the entire country music community. She added that the organization is proud to recognize his lifetime of contributions with this prestigious honor.
The award presentation at the 59th CMA Awards is expected to be one of the night’s most memorable moments, with special tributes and performances from top country stars celebrating an artist whose music and kindness have touched lives for more than four decades.