Norma Strait, wife of country music legend George Strait, became emotional during the 2024 CMA Awards.

On November 12, George Strait was honored with the prestigious Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.

He is nicknamed The King Of Country, has sold over 120 million records worldwide, has 60 number one hits (which is the most of any genre), and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame., proving he has the resume to be given this prestigious award.

The Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award has been given out to nine artists.

Willie Nelson was the first person to receive the award in 2012. See who else has taken this award home below.

-Kenny Rogers (2013)
-Johnny Cash (2015)
-Dolly Parton (2016)
-Kris Kristofferson (2019)

-Charley Pride (2020)
-Loretta Lynn (2021)
-Alan Jackson (2022)

Star-Studded Tribute To George Strait

Before he was handed his award, he was honored with a medley of performances from artists who all hold him in the highest regard.

Lainey Wilson kicked it off with a cover of Strait’s 1982 hit song “Amarillo By Morning.” Fellow Texans Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum sang a duet version of “Troubadour,” followed by Jamey Johnson, who sang a song he wrote for The King, “Give It Away.” George Strait himself closed out the medley alongside Chris Stapleton. They performed their new duet, “Honky Tonky Hall Of Fame.”

It was a tribute fit for a king!

George’s family looks on as he accepts his Lifetime Achievement Award

After the nearly 10-minute tribute, Strait held his award in his hand ready to thank everyone who got him to this place in his life.

“First of all, I want to thank my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ,” he said. “And I want to thank the CMAs for adding my name to the incredible artists on this small list of recipients carrying the name of the icon, Willie Nelson.”

Strait said, “I want to thank all these great artists who performed some of my songs that I’ve recorded over the years. It’s amazing to hear y’all do them. I’m so glad I got them before you.” 

He also thanked his record label, his fans, his band, and shouted out some people close to him who are “resting in peace with the Lord,” his longtime manager, road manager, and fiddle player.

“Last but not least,” Strait thanked his family, who all made a rare public appearance to support their patriarch. His family includes his wife Norma, their son Bubba, his daughter-in-law, Tamara, and his grandchildren, Harvey and Jillian.

They were all beaming with pride, especially Norma!

“It’s so great to have you all here, especially Norma, who has supported me for just shy of 53 years. It’s been a great 53 years,” he said before thanking everyone once again and walking off stage.

During this part of his speech, the camera show Norma smiling at her husband on stage and getting a little misty-eyed! Watch George Strait’s acceptance speech below.