Brooks & Dunn To Be Honored With 2026 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award

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Pictured (L-R): Brenden Oliver (CMA Director, Awards Stewardship), Ronnie Dunn, Sarah Trahern (CMA CEO) and Kix Brooks backstage at Bridgestone Arena, where Trahern and Oliver shared news of Brooks & Dunn’s CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award honor. Photo: Braden Carney

The Country Music Association has announced Brooks & Dunn will receive the 2026 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award as part of a special tribute during The 60th Annual CMA Awards Nov. 18.

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

Since first debuting in 1990, Brooks & Dunn have established themselves as one of the most influential and celebrated duos in country history. With 20 No. 1s, over 40 Top 10 hits, and more than 30 million albums sold worldwide, the duo has spent more than three decades defining the sound of modern country music with hits like “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” “Neon Moon,” “My Maria” and “Believe” becoming enduring staples.

Their achievements include two Grammys, 58 CMA Award nominations and 20 CMA Awards, (16 for Vocal Duo of the Year alone.) The duo also hosted the CMA Awards from 2004-2006 and has been inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Their influence extends beyond the studio as well, with more than 17 million tickets sold throughout their touring career.

Brooks & Dunn’s legacy continues to evolve as evidenced by their groundbreaking 2019 album REBOOT, which paired the duo with a new generation of artists including Luke Combs, Kacey Musgraves, Thomas Rhett and Ashley McBryde, introducing their iconic catalog to a new era while earning the duo another Top 10 album on the Billboard 200. REBOOT II continued that tradition in 2024, bringing their classic songs together with artists including Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Hailey Whitters and Marcus King.

Previous recipients of the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award include 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). The 60th Annual CMA Awards airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Wednesday, Nov. 18 on ABC, Disney+ and next day on Hulu.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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