Country music icon George Strait is set to receive the prestigious 2024 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing his legacy as one of the genre’s most influential and beloved artists. The announcement, made by the Country Music Association, highlights Strait’s remarkable contributions to country music over the course of his legendary career, which has spanned more than four decades.

The country music icon will accept the honor during the upcoming star-studded ceremony.

With the 2024 CMA Awards nearly a week away, the Country Music Association has announced George Strait as the recipient of this year’s CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.

This coveted is honor is awarded to a legendary artist who is widely known for their successful career within the world of country music. According to the Country Music Association, the award was established in the name of country music great, Willie Nelson, as a way to celebrate those who have achieved both national and international acclaim through their concert performances, humanitarian efforts, philanthropy, streaming success, record sales and public representation at the highest level. The recipient has clearly made a positive and lasting impact on the genre and has contributed to its growth over many years along with proving that their work has left a mark on both fans and the industry in a way unlike any other artist has done.

Strait has fulfilled all these requirements and more throughout his unmatched career that spans more than 40 years. His resume includes 60 No.1 singles, 33 Platinum or multi-Platinum-selling albums, over 70 million albums sold, and the title of being the only act in history to have a Top 10 hit every year for over three decades.

The achievements don’t end there. The Texas native has also released 31 studio albums, three live albums, and 11 compilation and has collected over 60 major entertainment industry awards. These honors include three CMA Entertainer of the Year Awards (1989, 1990, 2013); 17 CMA Award wins, 83 total CMA Award nominations (making him the most-nominated artist) and memberships in the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.

George Strait on stage at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Photo by alivecoverage _ Courtesy of Messina Touring Group
In addition to his numerous musical feats, Strait is credited for his remarkable ability to blend familiarity and comfort with fresh and innovation each time he steps on stage or into the studio.

“There have been few other artists as authentically Texas and authentically Country as George Strait, and Country Music fans all over the world have been better for it,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “As a three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year and the most nominated artist of all time, he serves as an inspiration and icon to many of the great, new artists we know today. I am thrilled we are awarding him with this deserving honor.”

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) and Alan Jackson (2022).
Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson, Peyton Manning; Photo Courtesy CMA/ABC
The country music icon will be presented his award during “Country Music’s Biggest Night” on Wednesday, Nov. 20. This portion of the show will also feature a star-studded performance from artists who hold a deep admiration for him.

Hosted by Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning and Lainey Wilson, “The 58th Annual CMA Awards” will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 8/7c on ABC.