At the 60th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards held on May 8, 2025, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, host Reba McEntire delivered a heartfelt tribute to honor the country music legends who passed away over the past year.
During the ceremony, McEntire performed an a cappella rendition of “Me and Bobby McGee” by Kris Kristofferson, who passed away in September 2024 at the age of 88. As she sang, images of Kristofferson were displayed, and she encouraged the audience to join in, creating a poignant moment of collective remembrance.
Following the performance, McEntire paid tribute to other notable figures in the country music community who had recently passed, including:
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Joe Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys
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Singer-songwriter Melba Montgomery
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Music publisher Ben Vaughn
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Carl Dean, the longtime husband of Dolly Parton, who died on May 3, 2025, at the age of 82.
McEntire’s tribute underscored the deep sense of community and respect within the country music world, honoring the lasting impact of these individuals on the genre.