Kenny Chesney is officially a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Chesney was inducted on Sunday, October 19, alongside June Carter Cash and Tony Brown.
Following the ceremony, Chesney shared his thoughts on social media about the prestigious honor, considered by many to be the pinnacle of their career.
“Being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame last night was the proudest moment of my life,” Chensey writes. “I am humbled and beyond grateful. The love I felt in the room was overwhelming.”
Chesney also thanks Kelsea Ballerini, Megan Moroney and Eric Church for singing songs in tribute to him, before praising his loyal fans.
“The connection I share with my audience will forever be on display within the rotunda at the Country Music Hall of Fame,” Chesney says. “I am very proud of that. What an honor to also share this moment with June Carter Cash and Tony Brown. I am so grateful to be a part of such a small, exclusive group. Full of heroes and friends.”
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What Kenny Chesney Said During His Country Music Hall of Fame Induction
During his induction speech, Kenny Chesney thanked those who had helped him throughout his lengthy career. He also reflected on what it means to him to be a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“Last year on the road … Megan asked me a really smart question,” the 57-year-old recalls. “She asked me if I ever let myself feel accomplished. I remember we were outside the Pittsburgh Steelers football stadium, just hanging out by the bus after a show. And I thought that was a very smart question for someone that’s just now getting into the business. And the truth is, I’ve never really let myself sit in accomplishment very much. I’ve always been very creative, very driven.
“But tonight, I can tell you, walking into that rotunda and taking that group shot with a lot of my heroes and a lot of my friends, it was the first time that I’ve ever felt accomplished in my life,” he continues. “This is an unbelievable feeling to stand here in this moment, and with every cell in my body, I feel the gravity of this moment.”
Kenny Chesney’s Remarks Before He Was Inducted Into the Country Music Hall of Fame
When Chesney was announced as one of the 2025 inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the East Tennessee native admitted it was a lot for him to take in.
“For me, this is beyond a dream,” Chesney said of the honor. “I keep thinking I’m gonna wake up on my couch back at [East Tennessee State University]. But standing here, this is more than real, it’s surreal. I couldn’t be more thankful or humble.”
“That’s just something you don’t dare to imagine,” he added. “I would never have even thought about being here, because it’s almost too much. Just walking past so many of these bronzes, realizing how many are friends or whose music I’ve listened to my whole life, this is an honor that extends beyond anything my heart would dare think.”
Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum