The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards delivered many unforgettable moments on Sunday night, but none stirred as much emotion as the In Memoriam segment. Country superstar Lainey Wilson joined legendary singer-songwriter Vince Gill for a deeply moving performance of Gill’s timeless ballad, “Go Rest High on That Mountain.” Their duet left the audience in tears and reminded viewers of the healing power of music during moments of loss.
A Song With a Legacy of Comfort
Originally written and released by Vince Gill in 1995, “Go Rest High on That Mountain” has long been a song of solace for those grieving. Gill penned the song in memory of his late brother, and over the years it has become one of the most beloved tributes performed at memorials and funerals across the world. The track, which won two Grammy Awards, is a staple in Gill’s career and continues to resonate deeply with audiences nearly three decades later.
For the Emmy Awards’ tribute to television’s departed stars, Gill chose to share this deeply personal piece of music — but with a new twist.
A Rare Extended Version
This Emmy performance was especially poignant because Gill included the extended version of the song, featuring a rarely-heard third verse that he had only ever performed live. This additional verse deepened the message of the ballad, offering audiences words of faith, hope, and reflection.
Gill began the performance alone, his seasoned voice carrying the weight of decades of grief and resilience. Lainey Wilson, the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year, soon joined him, her powerful and soulful tone blending seamlessly with Gill’s. Together, they created a breathtaking harmony that elevated the song to new heights.
Lainey Wilson’s Moment to Shine
When Wilson stepped forward to sing the second verse, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Known for her earthy, heartfelt voice and modern-country flair, Wilson brought a fresh emotional depth to the ballad. Viewers at home and in the theater were visibly moved as she honored the lives lost over the past year in television.
A choir then joined the duo for the final chorus, creating a soaring, almost heavenly soundscape. The audience, many with tears in their eyes, gave the performers a standing ovation.
Introduced by Phylicia Rashad
The tribute was introduced by actress Phylicia Rashad, who highlighted the importance of remembering the television icons and behind-the-scenes contributors who left lasting legacies. Her words, paired with the haunting performance, made the In Memoriam segment one of the most unforgettable moments of the night.
Social Media Reaction
Almost instantly, clips of the performance spread across social media. Fans praised both Gill and Wilson for their heartfelt delivery, calling it one of the most powerful In Memoriam performances in Emmy history. One viewer wrote, “Lainey and Vince just broke me. That song has never hit harder.” Another noted, “This was not just a performance — it was a prayer.”
Why It Mattered
The pairing of Vince Gill, a country legend, with Lainey Wilson, one of country music’s fastest-rising stars, symbolized the bridging of generations. Together, they proved that great music can transcend time, carrying messages of love, loss, and hope across decades.
The Emmys are often about glitz, glamour, and television’s brightest stars, but this moment reminded viewers of something deeper — that art, whether through acting or music, is ultimately about connection and memory.
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