Vince Gill may be a legendary figure in country music. But on Wednesday, when he accepted the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 59th Annual CMA Awards, he also proved he has a sense of humor.
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The 68-year-old artist won the award because he has proven himself to be "an iconic artist who has attained the highest degree of recognition in country music."
He has also "achieved both national and international prominence and stature through concert performances, humanitarian efforts, philanthropy, streaming numbers, record sales, and public representation at the highest level."
Additionally, Gill has "positively impacted and contributed to the growth of the genre over the course of many years."
Past winners include Nelson, of course, as well as Kenny Rogers, Charley Pride, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton.
But after receiving the award from last year's winner, George Strait, Gill started his speech by comparing himself to past recipients.
"This is amazing... And I'm pretty confident I'm the only one that's ever won this award that's never smoked any weed," he quipped.
Vince Gill Also Shared His Admiration for Willie Nelson
Gill added that "the man that is on this [award] is a long, long friend — 50 years we've known each other."
"I adore him, but [what] I admire most about him is his willingness to include his family."
Gill also had the privilege of hosting the CMA Awards a dozen times. He reflected on that achievement humorously in his speech.
"It might've been the dumbest thing they ever did, trusting my a** with their show," he said. "And every year, all I tried to do was make us all look good."
Gill Also Thanked His Family
Gill went on to thank his management and his friends at the Grand Ole Opry. But his kindest words were reserved for his immediate family.
"My five kids, Jenny and her husband, Josh, Matt and Olivia, Millie and Ben, Sarah and Jordan and our youngest, Karina, her boyfriend, Vance," Gill said. "She's got a boyfriend, his name's Vance, and he plays guitar."
"But more than anything, the woman I'm married to is the kindest soul I've ever known," he added. His wife is singer Amy Grant.
Gill ended his speech with this: "So, Willie, if you're out there listening, 92 years old, you're still inspiring us to this day. God bless."
