Alan Jackson is receiving another honor, and it’s a big one. The Country Music Hall of Fame member has been announced as the next CMT Artist of a Lifetime honoree. Jackson will receive the award at the upcoming CMT Artists of the Year ceremony.
“I believe I’ve made more videos than just about anybody, and I know how important they have been in bringing my songs to life for the fans, so thank you CMT for all the years and for this sweet honor,” Jackson says. “I’m very proud.”
“We’re honored to recognize the incomparable Alan Jackson as this year’s CMT Artist of a Lifetime,” CMT producers say (via Billboard), “For almost forty years, his traditional sound, iconic voice and beloved catalog of music has captivated audiences across the globe and his talent as a recording artist and songwriter are simply unmatched.
“From his early beginnings in Newnan, Georgia, to selling out the world’s largest stages, Alan has led fans on a musical journey with quiet and humble determination,” the statement continues. “As his songs continue to inspire generations of fans, we are privileged to celebrate his lifetime of accomplishments.”
The honor comes as Jackson is on his Last Call: One More For The Road Tour, The 63-year-old revealed last year that he was battling Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a rare degenerative nerve condition which he has quietly struggled with for the last ten years.
“I’ve always admired my heroes like George Jones, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride who just played as much as they wanted to, as long as they could,” Jackson said at the time. “I’ve always thought I’d like to do that, and I’d like to as long as my health will allow.
“I’ll try to do as much as I can, but if I’m comin’ your way, come see me….” he added.
Jackson joins an elite list of country music icons in receiving the CMT Artists of a Lifetime honor, including Lynn, Randy Travis, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Kenny Rogers and Haggard.
Other CMT Artists of the Year honorees this year include Carly Pearce, Walker Hayes, Cody Johnson, Luke Combs and Kane Brown. The CMT Artists of the Year ceremony will air as a 90-minute special on the network, premiering Friday, October 14, at 9:00 PM ET.