Jamey Johnson honored country music icon Randy Travis with a heartfelt performance of “Three Wooden Crosses,” Travis’ 16th No. 1 hit from his 2002 album Rise And Shine and one of his most recognizable songs, at the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Honors.
On Wednesday (Aug. 20) during the 18th ACM Honors ceremony at The Pinnacle in Nashville, Johnson took to the stage to pay tribute to the legendary singer, who was being presented with this year’s ACM Milestone Award.
“There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway/ Why there’s not four of them, Heaven only knows/ I guess it’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you/ It’s what you leave behind you when you go,” Johnson sang as he strummed his acoustic guitar in front of a beautiful backdrop of a colorful sky at sunset.
After Johnson’s touching tribute, Randy Travis, joined by his wife Mary, took the stage to a standing ovation to accept the coveted ACM Milestone Award.
“Between your birthstone and your headstone, it’s the milestones along the way that matter the most,” Mary began on behalf of her husband, who was all smiles standing beside her. “It’s not what you take when you go, but what you leave behind,” she continued, borrowing lyrics from Travis’ song, “Three Wooden Crosses.”
“Randy never thought his music would have the impact it has had, or that he would be standing here decades later surrounded by so many that shaped him and gave him a place to belong,” Mary added. “For the remarkable milestone award tonight, it’s truly one of my greatest honors. Thank you to my family, my fans, fellow artists and my remarkable team. You sang with me, you prayed with me, and you waited with me through the best and the worst of times. This milestone award belongs to y’all as much as it does to me. That’s what Randy says, not me.”
When Mary finished her speech for Randy Travis, she turned the microphone to the country music legend, who concluded with a “thank you, a lot.”
The ACM Milestone Award honors the contributions of Gene Weed, who directed and produced the ACM Awards for over 30 years. According to a press release from the Academy of Country Music (ACM), the ACM Milestone Award is “presented to a Country Music artist, duo/group or industry leader for a specific, unprecedented or outstanding achievement in the field of Country Music during the preceding calendar year.”
Randy Travis helped ignite the New Traditionalist Movement, shaping artists from Clint Black to Chris Stapleton. After a life-changing stroke in 2013, his resilience has inspired countless fans, leading to tributes at the Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry, and beyond. He has also become a strong advocate for stroke awareness and healthcare rights within the industry. Today, Travis continues to shape Country Music’s future, using AI-assisted vocals to revive unreleased songs and preserve the timeless sound that defined a generation.
Previous recipients of the prestigious honor include Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, George Burns, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Merle Haggard, Sam Hunt, Miranda Lambert, Loretta Lynn, Little Big Town, Willie Nelson, Jennifer Nettles, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen, and Lainey Wilson.
ACM Honors, also known as the “Country Music industry’s favorite night,” is an annual event that celebrates special award winners, including Industry Awards, Studio Recording Awards, Songwriter Awards, and other Special Awards, given to outstanding individuals who have significantly contributed to Country music.
“Tonight is a powerful reminder of the heart of Country Music,” Damon Whiteside, Academy of Country Music CEO, shared in a statement. “The artists, their voices, and stories move people around the world, but behind every song and performance is an entire community of songwriters, musicians, and industry leaders who help bring that artistry to life. To celebrate them all together in front of a sold-out audience is a true reflection of the spirit of this genre and the lasting impact it continues to have.”
The show also featured tribute performances from a star-studded lineup, including Tucker Wetmore, HARDY, Ashley McBryde, Carter Faith, Karen Fairchild, Victoria Shaw, K. Michelle, Madeline Edwards, Miko Marks, Jamey Johnson, Chris Janson, Amy Grant, Ashley Gorley, Carly Pearce, Luke Bryan, Russell Dickerson, and more.
These artists paid homage to the evening’s honorees: ACM Songwriter of the Year Jessie Jo Dillon, ACM Lifting Lives Award recipient Jelly Roll, ACM Poets Award winner Mac McAnally, ACM Icon Award recipients Ben Vaughn and Eric Church, ACM Milestone Award recipient Randy Travis, ACM Lift Every Voice Award recipient Rissi Palmer, ACM Artist-Songwriter Award recipient Lainey Wilson, ACM International Award recipient Luke Combs, ACM Spirit Award recipient Cody Johnson, and ACM Film Award recipient Twisters.
Fans will be able to re-live the 2025 ACM Honors ceremony during a special three-hour broadcast of CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown, dubbed CMT Hot 20: ACM Honors Edition, airing on Saturday, September 27.
Hosted by CMT’s Cody Alan and Carissa Culiner, alongside 18th ACM Honors hosts Russell Dickerson and Carly Pearce, CMT Hot 20: ACM Honors Edition will feature exclusive backstage interviews with honorees and performers, along with highlights and standout moments from the evening.
