All eyes were on George Strait as he took the stage at the 2024 CMA Awards to accept the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
After a string of tribute performances from stars like Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, Strait shared a series of shoutouts to his fans, friends and loved ones, including Norma Strait, his wife of more than 50 years.
"I want to thank the CMAs for adding my name to the incredible artists on the small list of recipients carrying the name of the icon Willie Nelson," Strait, 72, said. "I want to thank all these great artists who performed some of my songs that I've recorded over the years. It's amazing to hear y'all do them. I'm so glad I got 'em before you."
Strait went on to thank his family in the audience, namely his wife, son Bubba, 43, daughter-in-law Tamara and grandkids Jilliann, 8, and Harvey, 12.
"So great to have you all here," he said. "But especially Norma, who's supported me for just shy of 53 years in December. It's been an amazing 53 years, too."
Elsewhere in his speech, Strait thanked Jesus, his fans, record label and band, and also expressed gratitude to the late members of his inner circle, including Erv Woolsey, who managed the star for nearly 50 years and died in March, his longtime road manager Tom Foote, who died in April, and his fiddle player Gene Elders, who also died in March.
Prior to his speech, Strait was honored with a number of performances by some of country's biggest stars. Lainey Wilson kicked things off with "Amarillo By Morning," and Jamey Johnson followed with "Give It Away."
Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum then teamed up for "Troubadour," and Strait eventually came out to perform "Honky Tonk Hall of Fame" with Chris Stapleton.
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