Country legend honored with inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award amid emotional return to the stage
FRISCO, TEXAS — On a night filled with stars, tributes, and triumphs, it was Alan Jackson who delivered the most soul-stirring moment of the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards. The 66-year-old country icon took to the stage at the Ford Center at The Star on May 8 to perform his timeless ballad, “Remember When,” in what can only be described as a heartfelt and unforgettable return.
The audience — packed with the biggest names in country music — fell silent as Jackson, visibly moved and battling Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, began to sing. With every lyric, he drew listeners into a deeply personal story of love, loss, and the memories that make a life. His voice, weathered but strong, carried decades of experience and emotion, making the performance one of the standout highlights of the evening.
A Tribute to a Lifetime of Legacy
This year’s ACM Awards marked the 60th anniversary of the ceremony, and with it came a brand-new honor: the Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award. Fittingly, the first recipient was none other than Jackson himself. The award celebrates artists whose careers have made a lasting impact on the genre, and few have left a footprint as deep as Jackson’s.
From hits like “Chattahoochee” to “Drive (For Daddy Gene),” Jackson has spent more than four decades chronicling the American experience with unmatched authenticity. His performance of “Remember When” served as a powerful bookend — a reflective, emotional acknowledgment of all that has come before.
Overcoming Adversity with Grace
Jackson’s appearance held special significance because of his ongoing health battle. In 2021, he revealed he had been diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a rare and degenerative nerve condition that affects balance and muscle function. While it has limited his ability to perform and tour, the country legend has continued to make appearances when it matters most — and this night mattered deeply.
In his acceptance speech, Jackson thanked the fans who have stood by him, his fellow artists, and most importantly, his wife Denise. “She’s been with me through everything,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “The highs, the lows, and the everyday life in between. I’m standing here because of her.”
A Moment That Will Be Remembered
As the final note of “Remember When” rang out, the audience responded with a standing ovation. Artists like Reba McEntire, who hosted the ceremony, and fellow performers including Lainey Wilson and Cody Johnson were seen with tears in their eyes.
Social media lit up with praise, with fans and fellow musicians alike calling the performance “legendary,” “gut-wrenching,” and “one for the history books.”
