Reba McEntire was honored with a star-studded tribute performance at the 2017 ACM Honors. The ceremony, which took place last month, aired on CBS on Friday. Watch the video below!
Now in its 11th year, the Academy of Country Music hosts the ACM Honors annually to bestow special awards on country legends and rising stars. CBS broadcast the ceremony for the first time last year, and taped this yearâs event as well for a two-hour program. This yearâs honorees included George Strait, Dolly Parton, Kelsea Ballerini and Toby Keith, among others. McEntire was chosen to receive the Mae Boren Axton Service Award, which she shared with radio host Bob Kingsley.
Thomas Rhett was selected to perform in his honor, and did a mash-up of âCravingâ and âDie A Happy Man.â Meanwhile, McEntire was feted by three women in country music who have long considered the icon to be an inspiration. Hillary Scott began by singing âThe Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia.â Karen Fairchild then joined for âDoes He Love You.â And then to make it a trio, Kimberly Schlapman came out for âLittle Rock.â
âDoes He Love Youâ was recorded as a duet between McEntire and Linda Davis, who is Scottâs mother. The song was Davisâ most successful, and earned both her and McEntire a Grammy award for Best Country Vocal Collaboration. Scott now sang her motherâs parts as McEntire watched with her eyes glistening. Following the medley and a montage, the actress and singer took the stage herself to a standing ovation. She said, âI appreciate this very much. The Academy Of Country Music, theyâve been so sweet to me.â McEntire went on to discuss her friendship with the late Axton, calling her a âguardian angel.â
As Gossip Cop reported at the time, McEntire was previously honored at the 2014 American Country Countdown Awards with the first-ever Nash Icon Award. Miranda Lambert and Kelly Clarkson came together for that special performance. Check out video from the ACM Honors below!
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