Cody Johnson and Jelly Roll are among those being recognized at the upcoming ACM Honors ceremony. The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, August 20 at The Pinnacle in Nashville.
Johnson will receive the ACM Spirit Award. Inspired by Merle Haggard, the award is presented to a singer-songwriter who is continuing the legacy of Haggard by following their own path. The award is being given to Johnson for his unwavering commitment to country music, and his storytelling within the genre, without giving in to more pop-leaning trends.
Jelly Roll will receive the ACM Lifting Lives Award, presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry professional who is “devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit, and is committed to serving others,” per a press release. Among his numerous contributions are giving $1 from every ticket on his Backroad Baptism Tour to at-risk youth, raising over $600,000. He also visited more than ten juvenile facilities, plus four rehabilitation centers, and numerous homeless shelters to spread encouragement and positivity.
Jelly Roll has also been an advocate for eliminating fentanyl, testifying before Congress and sharing his own struggles with mental health.
Eric Church will receive the ACM Icon Award, along with the late Ben Vaughn. The award, honoring the contributions of Cliffie Stone, is given to someone who has “advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry, such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions, and other goodwill efforts.”
Church is being honored for his career spanning almost 20 years, releasing innovative music and taking risks in his lyrics and melodies, with incredible results. He, along with Luke Combs, also spearheaded the Concert for Carolina, raising more than $24 million for Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
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Vaughn was the President and CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville until he passed away earlier this year.
Combs is also being honored with the ACM International Award, given to an artist, duo/group or industry leader for outstanding contributions to the growth of country music throughout the world. With over 10 billion streams and 25 million monthly listeners across multiple platforms, Combs has taken his music around the world. He has also headlined several overseas shows, including international tours.
Randy Travis will receive the ACM Milestone Award, given to an artist, duo/group or industry leader, for a “specific, unprecedented or outstanding achievement in the field of Country Music during the preceding calendar year.” Travis helped launch the New Traditionalist Movement, influencing plenty of artists. Travis continues to appear at events and make music, even after a stroke in 2013 took away his ability to sing.
Other honorees include Rissi Palmer, Mac MacAnally, banker Lori Badgett and Jessie Jo Dillon. Lainey Wilson will also receive her ACM Artist-Songwriter Award, given to her at the recent 2025 ACM Awards.
Tickets for the event will be available, beginning on Friday, July 11. Find more information at ACMCountry.com.