Country musician Vince Gill received the 2025 CMA Willie Nelson lifetime achievement award at this year’s CMA Awards for his impact on the genre.
The “Go Rest High On That Mountain” singer accepted the honor from 2024 winner George Strait during the Nov. 19 ceremony, live from Nashville and aired on ABC. Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless honored the musician by singing Gill’s hit “When I Call Your Name.”
“It’s not lost on me they had to get girls to come out here and sing for me tonight,” Gill went on to joke. “No boys can get up that high.”
Vince Gill accepts the lifetime achievement award onstage during the 59th Annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 19, 2025, in Nashville.
He then took a moment to honor the award’s namesake.
” Willie Nelson, the man who is on this is a long, long friend. Fifty years we’ve known each other. I adore him,” Gill continued. “What I admire most is his willingness to include his family. He calls his band family. Man, that’s a great way to live. So Willie, if you’re out there listening, at 92 years old, you’re still inspiring us.”
A familiar face at the CMAs, Gill has won 18 CMA Awards and broken the record for song of the year wins with four, the most of any artist in history. Gill also holds the record for hosting the CMA Awards the most times, with 12.
He also took home the CMA Irving Waugh Award of Excellence in 2014, the CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award in 2017 and is also a four-time recipient of the CMA Triple Play Award.
Here’s what to know about the country music legend.
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Who is Vince Gill?
Vince Gill is a 68-year-old country singer who has released 20 albums, charted 45 singles and performed live for 50 years. Gill is a highly respected singer-songwriter and considered a staple of the Nashville community.
He’s an Oklahoma native known for his emotive songwriting and tender, soulful voice.
Gill is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Over the years, Gill has been a member of bands including Pure Prairie League, The Cherry Bombs and The Time Jumpers. In 2017, Gill joined the Eagles on tour.
From left, George Strait, Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless watch as Vince Gill accepts the lifetime achievement award onstage during the 59th annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 19, 2025, in Nashville.
“Vince embodies the very best of what Country Music stands for,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA chief executive officer, in a press release.
“He’s a true trailblazer, one who gives back to the community, honors the roots of our genre, and even now, continues to share his talent with fans across the globe,” Trahern continued. “He remains a vibrant force in our industry, and we’re honored to celebrate an artist whose influence is so deeply woven into the fabric of our format.”
Vince Gill’s biggest songs
Vince Gill’s biggest hits include “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away,” “When I Call Your Name,” “Go Rest High On That Mountain” and “One More Last Chance.”
When did Vince Gill become famous?
Gill rose to fame in 1990 with his single “When I Call Your Name,” which earned him CMA single and song the year, and a Grammy Award for best male country vocal performance.
Has Vince Gill won a Grammy Award?
Yes, Vince Gill has received 22 Grammy Awards throughout his career.
His most recent Grammy came in 2021 in the best country solo performance category, honoring the heartfelt “When My Amy Prays,” further cementing his legacy as a leading voice in country music. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and in 2012 was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Vince Gill is performing his new release, “True Love,” during the New Faces show at the Opryland Hotel on March 9, 1985, the final event of the Country Radio Seminar.
Is Vince Gill still making music?
Yes, Vince Gill continues to release music.
He is honoring his 50-year career milestone with a series of records titled “50 Years from Home.”
On Oct. 17, he released his first EP from the collection, Â “I Gave You Everything I Had.”
Is Vince Gill married?
Yes, Vince Gill is married to singer Amy Grant.
The two were wed in 2000 and share one daughter, Corrina Grant Gill.
Vince Gill and Amy Grant perform at the Alive Hospice Golden Gala celebrating 50 years at the Country Music Hall of Fame Tuesday Nov. 4, 2025, in Nashville, TN.
Who has received the CMAÂ Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award?
Recipients of the CMAÂ Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award include:
Audrey Gibbs is a music journalist at The Tennessean. You can reach her at agibbs@tennessean.com.
Contributing: Melonee Hurt, Nashville Tennessean
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vince Gill receives 2025 CMA Willie Nelson lifetime achievement award