Alan Jackson is set to honor U.S. military veterans with a special performance.
Jackson has teamed up with AARP to deliver a virtual performance in honor of service members past and present on Veterans Day (Nov. 11). The “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” singer announced the special event in a video posted to his Instagram account, encouraging fans to register and attend.
“Join @AARP for a Virtual Performance you won’t want to miss at aarpconcerts.org/alan-jackson/,” the video’s caption read in part.
According to AARP, the virtual concert will take place on Friday, Nov. 11 from 8:00 to 8:45pm Eastern. Actor Gary Sinise, who serves as AARP’s Ambassador for Veterans and Military Families, will make a special appearance during the event, the website indicated.
Jackson, a country music icon who has scored 35 No. 1 singles, was just honored at the CMT Artists of the Year special. Jackson received the CMT Artists of a Lifetime Award, joining the ranks of fellow country singers Merle Haggard, Reba McEntire, and others. Chris Stapleton presented the award to Jackson, who received a standing ovation as he prepared to deliver his acceptance speech.
After honoring the late Loretta Lynn, Jackson reflected on his over 30-year career. “I’ve been really blessed and fortunate and everything and I’m so thankful for all the fans and all the music peers and everybody that’s been so nice to me over the years,” he said.
In addition to accepting the honor, Jackson performed his 1993 chart-topping hit, “Chattahoochee,” accompanied by his band.
Jackson will be honored again at this year’s 56th CMA Awards on Nov. 9 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
Jackson will receive the prestigious Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award during the show, will be broadcast live on ABC and will stream on Hulu the next day. Dierks Bentley, Carrie Underwood, Jon Pardi, and Lainey Wilson will deliver an all-star tribute to the singer, who will be in attendance.
Following the Country Music Association (CMA)’s Oct. 27 announcement that Jackson would receive the award, Bentley and Wilson reflected on the singer’s contributions to country music and their individual careers.
“The first country singer I ever met in Nashville when I moved here in 1994, was Alan Jackson….and by “met” I mean stalked!” Bentley recalled in a social media post. “I was in the Green Hills mall when I saw him and his wife Denise. I waited outside for probably a half an hour until he walked out. I shook his hand and told him I was a huge fan. That’s all I wanted, was a handshake and to be able to tell him that. Not sure how much it meant to him, but it meant a lot to me! I remember watching him drive away in a lifted Chevy suburban, which I thought was pretty cool, since I drove a lifted Chevy Silverado.”
“Alan Jackson means so many things to me and to the rest of the world. He is a legend. He is a storyteller. He is true to himself and has stayed true to himself and has paved the way,” Wilson explained in a conversation with CMT.
The Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award “is for an iconic artist who has attained the highest degree of recognition in Country Music,” according to CMA.
Fans who are interested in seeing Jackson’s special Veterans Day performance can register here.
