Brooks & Dunn to receive Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at 60th CMA Awards

Brooks & Dunn will receive the 2026 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award later this year.

The legendary duo, made up of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, will accept the award as part of a special tribute during the Association's 60th annual CMA Awards in November, according to a press release.

The Neon Moon hitmakers join a growing list of icons to receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, alongside Willie Nelson (2012), Kenny Rogers (2013), Johnny Cash (2015), Dolly Parton (2016), Kris Kristofferson (2019), Charley Pride (2020), Loretta Lynn (2021), Alan Jackson (2022), George Strait (2024) and Vince Gill (2025).

"Few artists have left a mark on Country Music quite like Brooks & Dunn," Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement. "As the most awarded duo in our genre's history, Kix and Ronnie have spent more than three decades shaping the sound of Country Music. Their music has set a standard that still resonates with new generations of artists, while continuing to win over new generations of fans. We are proud to celebrate everything they've given to this genre and the mark they continue to leave on its future."

According to the Country Music Association, the award honours "an iconic artist who has attained the highest degree of recognition in Country Music. The award recognises those who have 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. The artist receiving this award has positively impacted and contributed to the growth of the genre over the course of many years and has proven to have an unprecedented historical impact on fans and industry alike."

Ella Langley received the most nominations at this year's CMA Awards, followed by Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Ben West, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Stephen Wilson Jr.

Lainey Wilson, the 2025 Entertainer of the Year, is returning to host the show for her third consecutive year. Additional details, including performers and presenters, have not yet been announced!

We're sending one Kiwi and a friend over to Nashville this November to experience the CMA Awards atmosphere for yourself! Full details here.

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