“Remember When”: Alan Jackson’s Legacy Celebrated with New ACM Award

Country music icon Alan Jackson added yet another monumental achievement to his legendary career on Thursday evening when he became the very first recipient of a brand-new award that now bears his name: the Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award.

Presented during the Academy of Country Music Awards by none other than fellow country legend and show host Reba McEntire, this moment marked a historic chapter not only in Jackson’s career but also in the ongoing legacy of country music.

In a moment both emotional and historic, Jackson accepted the honor immediately following a heartfelt performance of his 2003 hit “Remember When,” as a montage of personal and career-spanning images played behind him—bringing the song’s powerful themes of time and memory vividly to life.

True to form, Jackson lightened the mood during his acceptance speech, saying with a grin:

“A few years ago, one of my fans named their dog after me, and I thought that was something! But this is really amazing.”

He followed with heartfelt thanks:

“I came to Nashville with a paper sack full of songs and a crazy dream, and all these years later [to be] standing here receiving such an honor like this is just mind-blowing. Thank you all so much for this honor and for all the years!!”

A Career Built on Classics and Consistency

The ACM Awards have played a defining role in Alan Jackson’s career. Over the years, he has amassed 17 competitive ACM trophies, beginning with 1991’s Top New Male Vocalist win. He has taken home Single of the Year four times, as well as three Album of the Year honors and three Top Male Vocalist wins. In addition to these competitive awards, Jackson has now received five special honors from the Academy, including the ACM Poet’s Award for his lasting impact as a songwriter.

In 1994, Jackson even co-hosted the ACM Awards alongside Reba McEntire, making this year’s tribute all the more meaningful as the two reunited on the ACM stage.

A Legacy Cemented

The Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award, much like the Academy’s other special merit recognitions, will be awarded in the future at the discretion of the ACM Special Awards Committee. It will honor individuals, duos, or groups who—like Jackson—have achieved lasting national and international acclaim, contributed significantly to the genre’s growth, and represented country music with integrity, influence, and heart.

With a career rooted in storytelling, tradition, and timeless songs, Alan Jackson’s music has not only shaped the sound of country but preserved its soul. Now, as new artists rise and legends are honored, Jackson’s name will stand as a symbol of what country greatness looks like—for generations to come.