Trisha Yearwood onstage during Nashville Songwriters Association International award ceremony at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, 2022. Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
On Aug. 21, 2024, seasoned country singer Trisha Yearwood was given the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Honors Icon Award for her contributions to country music. Held at the famed Nashville venue the Ryman Auditorium, the ACM Honors ceremony is known as “the country music industry’s favorite night.”
After the awards show, her husband, who is fellow country singer Garth Brooks, and other Nashville recording artists took time to congratulate Yearwood on her historic win. Her career has been an inspiration to many and represents a guiding light for those in the fledgling years of their own country music careers.
‘The Longevity of a Good Song’
Trisha Yearwood was born on Sept. 19, 1964, in the Southern town of Monticello, Georgia. From a young age, her parents (Gwendolyn, a schoolteacher, and Jack, a local banker) fostered in her a love of music. While chasing her dreams of becoming a country music singer in the early 1990s, Yearwood quickly struck a chord with the genre’s fan base.
The cover of Trisha Yearwood's 1991 self-titled album featuring "She's in Love With the Boy." Internet Archive. Public Domain
Shortly after the release of her 1991 debut single “She’s in Love With the Boy,” the song quickly climbed the country singles Billboard chart and reached the No. 1 spot. Yearwood looks back fondly on her first hit. In an interview with People, she said:
“I don’t think it was until years later that I realized how lucky I had been to have a song like ‘She’s in Love With the Boy’ in my career. It’s precious to me now because it represents the beginning, and it represents the longevity of a good song and the loyalty of a fan base.”
Fifteen studio albums later, Yearwood’s positive impact extends far and wide. Beyond country music, she strives to include her Southern culture in everything she does. Her Food Network show “Trisha’s Southern Kitchen,” which airs weekly, features her favorite family recipes and new takes on classic Southern cuisine. A passionate animal lover, she’s also started the nonprofit Dottie’s Yard. Named after her own rescue dog, the charity helps rescue organizations with everything from medical expenses to food and shelter supplies.
Her latest album, “Every Girl (Deluxe Edition)“ features a new rendition of her famous hit “She’s in Love With the Boy,” along with a cover of “Shallow” from the 2018 hit film ”A Star Is Born.” The deluxe album also features a guest vocal appearance by her husband.
Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks performing together at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on July 6, 2013, in Oklahoma. Rick Diamond/Getty Images
A Country Music Icon
The ACM Honors is an extension of the annual Academy of Country Music Awards show. Each year, the ceremony awards one musician who advanced the country music genre and made a positive impact in communities with their philanthropic endeavors. The ACM Honors Icon Award was originally inspired by the legacy of Cliffie Stone, who helped country music gain huge ground in America’s post-World War II era via his work as a musician, producer, and entertainment personality. This year, Yearwood took home the prestigious award.
Trisha Yearwood at the 17th Academy of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on Aug. 21, 2024, in Nashville. Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
As Yearwood was recognized for her contributions to country music as well as her charitable contributions, Brooks took time to recognize the impact she’s had on the music industry and those around her. In an official statement on his website, Brooks said: “She is an icon. I know what a world-class talent and force she is … and we all know what an incredible vocalist she is … but I love it when others really take notice, too.”
He also explained why her music has had such a positive influence on others over the years:
“Trisha took things that mean the world to her—family and memories of her dad and mom and her sister—and shared them with the whole world in a way no one else has really done.”
He also credited her with being an incredible mother to their daughters, calling her role as a mom “iconic” as well.
Yearwood expressed her gratitude on social media, thanking the country music community for their support: “Last night was iconic! All I ever wanted to be was a part of the country music community. I’m honored and grateful and so happy that I got to celebrate with my friends and family!”
Other country artists also took time to congratulate her. Country singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde said Yearwood is “True North for the women of country music.”
‘Her Most Iconic Yet’
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood at the 17th Academy of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on Aug. 21, 2024, in Nashville. Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
On top of her ACM Honors Icon Award, Yearwood also has three Grammys, three Academy of Country Music Awards, and three Country Music Association Awards.
As Yearwood takes time to reflect on her success in the country music industry over the past 30, her husband is looking forward to the future. For Brooks, he believes that his wife’s best years are still ahead of her: “I think Trisha’s next iconic moments are yet to come. And they may be her most iconic yet.”
A recording of the 2024 ACM Honors awards ceremony will air in September. This year’s show can be streamed on the entertainment platform Merit Street Media on Sept. 24 at 9 p.m. EST.
