CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients & Past Winners

Brooks & Dunn will receive the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2026, joining a list of honorees that includes Dolly Parton, George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Vince Gill.

Written by Amanda Tempel

Date Published: September 15, 2026

Brooks & Dunn are the 2026 recipients of the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. The legendary duo will receive the honor during the 60th Annual CMA Awards on Wednesday, November 18, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

The award is one of the Country Music Association’s highest honors and has previously been presented to some of country music’s most influential artists, including Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson, George Strait, and Vince Gill.

Who Is Receiving the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2026?

Brooks & Dunn will receive the 2026 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award as part of a special tribute during the CMA Awards.

Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn first joined forces in 1990 and have since become the most awarded duo in CMA Awards history. Their career includes 20 No. 1 hits, more than 40 Top 10 songs, and more than 30 million albums sold worldwide.

Brooks & Dunn have earned 20 CMA Awards, including a record 16 wins for Vocal Duo of the Year. They have also received two Grammy Awards and have been inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Their catalog includes some of country music’s most recognizable songs, including “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” “Neon Moon,” “My Maria,” and “Believe.”

“Few artists have left a mark on Country Music quite like Brooks & Dunn,” CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern said. “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.”

Brooks & Dunn have continued introducing their music to new audiences in recent years. Their 2019 album REBOOT featured collaborations with artists including Luke Combs, Kacey Musgraves, Thomas Rhett, and Ashley McBryde. REBOOT II, released in 2024, included collaborations with Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Hailey Whitters, Marcus King, and others.

When Will Brooks & Dunn Receive the Award?

Brooks & Dunn will be honored during the 60th Annual CMA Awards on Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

The CMA Awards will air live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.

A special tribute to Brooks & Dunn is planned as part of the ceremony.

What Is the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award?

The CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an iconic country artist who has achieved the highest level of recognition within the genre.

According to the Country Music Association, the honor considers an artist’s national and international prominence through areas including concert performances, record sales, streaming, humanitarian work, philanthropy, and public representation.

Recipients are also recognized for their long-term contribution to the growth of country music and their historical impact on both fans and the music industry.

The award was first presented to Willie Nelson in 2012.

CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients

2026 — Brooks & Dunn

2025 — Vince Gill

2024 — George Strait

2022 — Alan Jackson

2021 — Loretta Lynn

2020 — Charley Pride

2019 — Kris Kristofferson

2016 — Dolly Parton

2015 — Johnny Cash

2013 — Kenny Rogers

2012 — Willie Nelson

The award has not been presented every year since its creation.

Who Was the First Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient?

Willie Nelson was the first recipient of the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. The honor was named for Nelson and recognizes artists whose careers have made a lasting contribution to country music.

Brooks & Dunn become the 11th recipient of the award in 2026.