Vince Gill To Receive Ken Burns American Heritage Prize

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Vince Gill. Photo: David McClister

Vince Gill has been named the 2026 recipient of the Ken Burns American Heritage Prize and will formally receive the honor on May 6.

Named in honor of the revered visual historian and filmmaker, the Ken Burns American Heritage Prize was created by American Prairie to recognize individuals whose achievements have advanced our collective understanding of America’s heritage and the indomitable spirit of the American people. Nominees for the annual prize consist of visionary artists, authors, educators, filmmakers, historians, and scientists, and candidates are chosen by a National Jury of distinguished leaders who represent communities across the country and share a common appreciation of America’s heritage.

“Vince Gill is most deserving of this prize, and he represents the enduring power of American music to tell us who we are,” says Burns. “Like the prairie itself, his songs are shaped by patience, humility, and a deep respect for the people. I know what it is to be formed by the spirit of a place—how it asks you to listen closely, to honor what came before, and to submit, in the best sense of the word, to something larger than yourself. Vince has done this throughout his life and work, and in doing so, he has given us a truer understanding of our shared American heritage.”

“American Heritage Prize is an incredible honor and what inspiring company to be in,” says Gill about his selection. “The work American Prairie is doing to preserve America’s Great Plains is invaluable, and I’m grateful to be able to contribute to their efforts in any way I can. Over the years I have had the opportunity to collaborate and become good friends with Ken, and that in itself has been a great experience. This new relationship is one I’m very much looking forward to.”

In 2026, American Prairie celebrates 25 years as a 100% donor-funded organization working to connect, conserve, and share Montana’s Northern Great Plains – one of the last remaining temperate grasslands in the world. Grasslands are a vital yet vanishing biome, and they play a huge role in the planet’s health. Across the globe, less than 2% of temperate grasslands have been permanently conserved, making them the least protected biome on Earth.

Past recipients of the Ken Burns American Heritage Prize include David McCullough, Maya Lin, N. Scott Momaday, Wynton Marsalis, Jimmy Chin, Kristine McDivitt Tompkins and Sylvia Earle.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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