At the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards on May 8, 2025, held at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, Reba McEntire, hosting for a record-breaking 18th time, led a heartfelt tribute honoring the country music legends we lost over the past year. The ceremony opened with a 12-minute medley celebrating past Song of the Year winners, featuring performances by Reba herself, Clint Black, Wynonna Judd, LeAnn Rimes, Little Big Town, and Dan + Shay . Among the poignant moments was a sing-along tribute to the late Kris Kristofferson, whose enduring influence on country music was celebrated by the audience .
Additionally, the late Joe Bonsall of The Oak Ridge Boys was remembered during the presentation of the Group of the Year award to Old Dominion . Reba’s presence and performances throughout the evening underscored her deep connection to the genre’s history and her commitment to honoring its legacy.