Kris Kristofferson will be honored with the 2019 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award during the 53rd Annual CMA Awards. The legendary singer-songwriter will be the subject of a special tribute featuring Dierks Bentley, Sheryl Crow, Chris Janson and Brothers Osborne's John Osborne performing "Me and Bobby McGee" during the ceremony, which airs on Nov. 13 on ABC.
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"Kris is a living legend whose impact on our genre has been monumental," Country Music Association Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern said in a statement. "He is the definition of an icon and someone our community holds with such high regard. I'm thrilled our Board selected Kris this year for one of CMA's highest accolades. Though he won't be joining us at the CMA Awards, I hope our tribute performance brings a big smile to his face."
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The award was originally given to its namesake Willie Nelson in 2012 to recognize an artist who's "achieved both national and international prominence and stature through concert performances, humanitarian efforts, philanthropy, record sales, and public representation at the highest level."
Previous recipients include Kenny Rogers (2013), Johnny Cash (2015) and Dolly Parton (2016).
Kristofferson, a Country Music Hall of Fame member, Songwriter Hall of Fame member and three-time Grammy winner, has written and performed some of the most beloved culturally significant country songs of all time, including "Help Me Make it Through the Night," "Sunday Morning Coming Down," "Me and Bobby McGee," "For the Good Times" and more.
The songwriting legend and iconic artist has also received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement award.
The 2019 CMA Awards will be hosted by Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena.
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