Tears and Triumph: Alan Jackson Accepts ACM’s First Lifetime Achievement Award Amid Health Battle

At the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, held on May 8, 2025, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, country music legend Alan Jackson was honored with the inaugural Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented by Reba McEntire, who also served as the evening’s host.

Jackson, 66, has been a significant figure in country music, with a career spanning over three decades. He has sold over 75 million records worldwide, achieved more than 50 Top 10 hits, and secured 35 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Country charts. The Lifetime Achievement Award, now bearing his name, recognizes artists who have achieved national and international prominence through concert performances, philanthropy, record sales, streaming numbers, and public representation.

The evening was particularly poignant as Jackson has been battling Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a hereditary neurological disorder affecting mobility and balance. Diagnosed in 2011 and publicly disclosed in 2021, the condition has increasingly impacted his stage presence. Despite these challenges, Jackson continued to perform, including a farewell tour titled “Last Call: One More for the Road,” which is set to conclude on May 17, 2025.

During the ceremony, Jackson performed his 2003 hit “Remember When,” bringing many in the audience to tears. Following his performance, McEntire presented him with the award, stating, “Alan, you know we love you. It’s quite an honor.”

In his acceptance speech, Jackson reflected on his journey, saying, “I came to Nashville with a paper sack full of songs and a crazy dream, and that all these years later I’m standing here receiving such an honor is mind-blowing.” He expressed gratitude to God, his fans, and especially his wife Denise, whom he credited for her unwavering support throughout their life together.

The 60th ACM Awards celebrated both emerging talents and seasoned artists, with performances from Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, and Cody Johnson, among others. The event was streamed live on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, reaching audiences worldwide.

For those interested in witnessing this heartfelt moment, the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Alan Jackson by Reba McEntire can be viewed here:

If you want more music and videos from Alan Jackson, check out his YouTube Channel. Fans can also connect with him on Instagram and Facebook. Get news, updates, and tour info on his official website.