In recent days, several artists and their fans have spoken out about this year's CMA Awards red carpet guidelines. Like any major televised event, the red carpet has criteria that exists to help manage limited space and the security needs for both the artists and the media. We are deeply sorry anyone felt excluded by those decisions.
Our organization's mission is to honor the history and celebrate the excellence of Country Music. With this 60th anniversary year, we are working extra hard to simultaneously spotlight the last six decades, while also celebrating what has been a tremendous year in 2026. It's not easy to do all of that in just one night, but we are up for the challenge.
We also know this is about more than a red carpet, and we are committed to keep listening and keep finding ways to make sure all artists feel welcome and at home here. To that point, we are in touch with Sammy Kershaw's team and look forward to continuing that conversation.
60 years of the CMA Awards calls for a celebration! On November 8, we’re taking a trip back to the years when “Country Music’s Biggest Night” called the Grand Ole Opry House home. Hosted by 18-time CMA Award-winner Vince Gill and featuring performances from Deana Carter, Jamey Johnson, Lorrie Morgan, Ricky Skaggs, and more. Join us for a special night at the Grand Ole Opry! https://t.co/HR7w4UA4Zb
Photos courtesy of @CountryMusic
@DollyParton founded the @dollyslibrary with a simple but powerful belief that every child deserves the chance to fall in love with reading, regardless of family income. Now, these artists are sharing the books that helped shape their own childhoods 📚
If you are interested in helping this cause that was so near and dear to Dolly, please click the link below!
https://t.co/3oCb6Sq5tT
Dolly's impact goes far beyond the music.📚
We're proud to share that CMA, Belmont University, The @WaltDisneyCo and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp have come together to donate $1 MILLION to Dolly Parton's @ImaginationLibrary in celebration of a true icon, @DollyParton ✨
Dolly, we will ALWAYS love you! 🥹🩷
Thank you to @CountryMusic, all the incredible talent, and @BelmontUniv for honoring the Queen of Country with such a beautiful tribute.
See Carrie Underwood, Katy Perry and more stars hit the red carpet in Nashville for the CMA Dolly Parton special honoring the late country music icon. Click the link below to see all of the photos ⬇️
📸 Jason Kempin, Getty Images https://t.co/K0kP65grcy
We are deeply saddened by CMA Award winner and Country Music Hall of Fame member, John Anderson's passing. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.