Chris Stapleton was celebrated at the 60th Annual ACM Awards, where he received his 11th award, recognizing him as the male artist of the year. The award was presented by Clint Black, and Stapleton expressed gratitude for the honor, acknowledging the impressive talent of his fellow nominees, which included Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Luke Combs, and Morgan Wallen.
During his acceptance speech, Stapleton expressed appreciation for the support of his crew and family, particularly thanking his wife, Morgane, for her guidance and mentioning his children at home. His speech took a poignant turn as he paid tribute to his late friend, Ben Vaughn, who passed away earlier this year. Stapleton dedicated the award to Vaughn, reflecting on their friendship and the loss felt within the music community.
Host Reba McEntire later honored Vaughn during the “In Memoriam” segment of the ceremony, which also recognized notable figures such as Kris Kristofferson and Dolly Parton’s husband, Carl Dean. Vaughn was a significant advocate for songwriters and had a close professional relationship with Stapleton, helping to launch his career.
In addition, Chris Stapleton is nominated for several other awards, including Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year, and Music Event of the Year, making this a significant year for him at the ACM Awards.
This highlights not only Stapleton’s achievements as an artist but also the strong sense of camaraderie and remembrance within the country music industry. The heartfelt tribute to Vaughn showcases the deep connections formed through music and the enduring impact of friendships formed along the way.