Alan Jackson will be honored with the 2022 Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 56th annual CMA Awards, the Country Music Association announced on Thursday morning (October 27). Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood and Lainey Wilson are set to perform during a star-studded tribute to the legendary country artist during the show.
“We are thrilled to honor Alan Jackson this year with the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award,” Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement. “A three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year, he is responsible for so many iconic moments in CMA Awards history. Just as Alan has been influenced by many Country legends throughout his career, he too has inspired a generation of artists to stay true to the authenticity of Country Music. We are so excited to bring Dierks, Jon, Carrie and Lainey together on the CMA Awards stage for what will surely be an incredible and touching tribute to an artist they each deeply admire. Having had the great fortune of working with Alan over the years, I am delighted we are honoring him with this milestone award next month.”
The CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award aims to honor “an iconic artist who has attained the highest degree of recognition” in the genre, both nationally and internationally, including through performances, philanthropy, record sales and more, according to information from Jackson’s record label. Previous recipients include Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Charley Pride and Loretta Lynn.
Lynn, who died earlier this month at her Tennessee ranch at age 90, will also be honored at the 56th annual CMA Awards, the association previously announced.
The all-star list of performers throughout the evening also includes Kelsea Ballerini with Kelly Clarkson and Carly Pearce, Luke Bryan, HARDY featuring Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen, and Zac Brown Band featuring Jimmie Allen and Marcus King, the CMA announced earlier this week. Bryan is set to host the highly-anticipated awards show with NFL star Peyton Manning. Wilson is the most nominated artist, up for awards in six categories (including Female Vocalist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and more). Other artists nominated include Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, Ashley McBryde and many more. See the full list of nominations here.
The 56th annual CMA Awards will be broadcast live from Bridgestone Arena in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee. It’s set for Wednesday, November 9 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET.