Country music legend Alan Jackson got a standing ovation during the opening monologue at the 60th annual Academy of Country Music Awards just because his name was mentioned.
That explained why the ACM’s new lifetime achievement award is named after Jackson, who is also its first recipient.
After a simple and sweet performance of his hit “Remember When,” Jackson took to the mic during the May 8 ceremony and thanked everyone for the special honor.
“Usually one of my fans tells me they named their dog after me, and I thought that was really something,” Jackson quipped. “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.
“I thank God all the time for all the people that have been a part of my life and career and maintain this all this time.”
Alan Jackson’s legacy previously honored by country industry
Jackson is no stranger to lifetime achievement awards.
In 2022 and 2024, his extensive body of work was honored by the Country Music Association and Nashville Songwriters Association International.
At the 2022 CMA Awards, Jackson was presented with the association’s Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award following an all-star tribute performance by Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood and Lainey Wilson.
“The very first concert I ever went to was an Alan Jackson concert,” Underwood said. “Seeing him perform helped inspire me to pursue my dreams.”
She added: “It’s been said that country music is three chords and the truth. And in every one of Alan Jackson’s songs, there is truth, for his powerful voice speaks to us about hope and heartache, about fun and friendship, about tragedy and triumph. About life, and a little about love.”
Alan Jackson receives ACM Poets Award
At the 2024 ACM Honors ceremony, Jackson received the Poets Award recognizing his songwriting prowess.
The event’s hosts, Jordan Davis and Carly Pearce, honored Jackson by performing “Chattahoochee” and “Don’t Rock the Jukebox.” Eric Church also performed a take on Jackson’s 1990 hit “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow.”
“Alan Jackson is an institution and an American treasure. It’s my honor to be here and play for him,” Church said.
Jackson’s appearance was particularly noteworthy in that it’s one of the few he’s made in public since his 2021 announcement that he had Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, which has profoundly impacted his ability to balance himself while standing.
“There are so many people I can’t even begin to thank them all,” he said from the stage. “I do want to especially thank one person whose been my best friend since I was 17 years old, my wife Denise out there. She’s loved me through the good, the bad, and the happy and the sad and has helped me keep my feet on the ground all these years. I wouldn’t be here without her.”
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