Photo: Matthew Berinato
Brooks & Dunn will receive the 2026 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award later this year, the Country Music Association announced on Monday (September 14).
The legendary duo — made up of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn — will accept the award as part of a special tribute during the Association’s 60th annual CMA Awards in November, according to a press release. The “Neon Moon” hitmakers join a growing list of icons to accept the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, along with 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).
“Few artists have left a mark on Country Music quite like Brooks & Dunn,” Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement. “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.”
According to the Country Music Association, the award honors “an iconic artist who has attained the highest degree of recognition in Country Music. The award recognizes those who have achieved both national and international prominence and stature through concert performances, humanitarian efforts, philanthropy, streaming numbers, record sales, and public representation at the highest level. The artist receiving this award has positively impacted and contributed to the growth of the genre over the course of many years and has proven to have an unprecedented historical impact on fans and industry alike.”
Ella Langley received the most nominations at the CMAs, followed by Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Ben West, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, and Stephen Wilson Jr. See the full list of nominees here.
Lainey Wilson, the 2025 Entertainer of the Year, is returning to host the show for her third consecutive year. Additional details — including performers, presenters and more — has not been announced as of publication time. The 60th CMA Awards will air on Wednesday, November 18 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on ABC and Disney+, and the following day on Hulu.