George Strait Honors Wife Norma for ‘Amazing’ 53 Years at the 2024 CMA Awards: (george strait cma 2024,george strait wife,george strait at cma awards 2024,george strait 2024 cma,george strait,miranda lambert,parker mccollum,george strait net worth,george strait wife,george strait jr,norma strait,george strait daughter,willie nelson lifetime achievement award,george strait now,george strait concert,george strait cma awards 2024,what happened to george strait,george strait 2024) Country icon acknowledges his wife and family as he receives the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the star-studded event.
It was a night to remember at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, when country legend George Strait stood in the spotlight to accept the prestigious Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Fans and fellow artists watched with admiration as Strait, 72, gracefully accepted an honor that cements his legacy as one of country music’s greatest icons.
A Night of Celebrations and Heartfelt Thanks
Following moving tribute performances from country stars like Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, Strait took to the stage to deliver a heartfelt speech. He began by expressing his gratitude to the Country Music Association:
“Thank you to the CMAs for including me among the incredible artists who have received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award,” Strait said. It was clear that he was humbled by the recognition, sharing how much it meant to hear fellow artists perform his classic hits. “Hearing y’all do those songs—I’m just glad I recorded them first!” he joked, to the crowd’s delight.
A Special Shoutout to Norma: 53 Years and Counting
The most touching moment of the night came when Strait took a moment to express his gratitude to his family. With his wife Norma, their son Bubba, daughter-in-law Tamara, and grandchildren Jilliann and Harvey in attendance, he was visibly moved.
“I’m so glad to have my family here, especially Norma, who’s been my rock for nearly 53 years come December. What an incredible journey it’s been,” he said, his voice filled with warmth. After more than five decades together, Norma’s support clearly means the world to him.
Remembering the Ones He Lost
George Strait’s acceptance speech wasn’t just about looking back at his successes; he also took time to honor the people who had supported him throughout his career and are no longer with him. He remembered his longtime manager, Erv Woolsey, who had guided his career for nearly 50 years, as well as his road manager, Tom Foote, and beloved fiddle player Gene Elders. Their loss in 2024 was clearly felt, and Strait’s acknowledgment was a touching tribute to the bonds formed in his decades-long career.
Performances That Made the Night Unforgettable
Before Strait’s acceptance, the audience was treated to an incredible lineup of performances that paid homage to his legendary career. Lainey Wilson opened with “Amarillo By Morning,” setting the stage for Jamey Johnson’s rendition of “Give It Away.” The crowd was then electrified by Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum’s duet of “Troubadour,” and the night climaxed with a performance by Strait himself, teaming up with Chris Stapleton for “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame.” The camaraderie between the artists was palpable, with Strait raising a glass and saying, “Cheers, brother!” after their performance.
A Record-Breaking Career: Why George Strait is the ‘King of Country’
George Strait’s career reads like a country music fairytale. Since his debut in 1981, he’s released over 30 platinum or multi-platinum records—a feat unmatched in the industry. His influence spans over four decades, with 60 No. 1 singles to his name and the unique distinction of having a Top 10 hit every single year for more than 30 years. In 2024, he released his 31st studio album, Cowboys and Dreamers, continuing his reign as a country powerhouse.
And if those numbers weren’t enough, Strait also made history this year, drawing a record-breaking crowd of 110,000 fans to a show in College Station, Texas. To put that in perspective, he surpassed the Grateful Dead’s long-held attendance record from 1977—a testament to his lasting popularity.
The Legacy of a Legend: George Strait’s Impact on Country Music
Strait’s achievements go far beyond the stage. With 16 Grammy nominations and one win for Best Country Album (Troubadour, 2008), he’s a decorated veteran in the country music scene. His 83 CMA nominations and 17 wins also solidify his place as the most-nominated artist in CMA history. In his long list of accolades, three CMA Entertainer of the Year awards stand out—a testament to his enduring appeal.
Receiving the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award is a crowning achievement for Strait, joining the ranks of legends like Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn. “George Strait embodies what it means to be authentically Texan and authentically country,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA’s Chief Executive Officer. “He’s an inspiration to countless new artists.”
What Makes George Strait’s Story So Inspirational?
I think what resonates most about George Strait’s journey is his authenticity—he’s a reminder that dedication and genuine connection with your audience are the true markers of success. His legacy isn’t just about the awards or records, but about a career built on respect for the genre, a connection with fans, and a love for the music itself.
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The 58th Annual CMA Awards aired live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 20, 2024, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on ABC, and is available to stream the following day on Hulu.