At the 2024 CMA Awards, Ashley McBryde pays tribute to Kris Kristofferson with a heartfelt acoustic rendition.

During the 2024 CMA Awards, Ashley McBryde paid tribute to the late Kris Kristofferson with a heartfelt speech.

At the age of 88, Kristofferson passed away at his home in Maui, Hawaii, on September 28th.

Kristofferson is celebrated for his numerous contributions to country music and his roles in films such as the "Blade" trilogy and the 1976 version of "A Star Is Born," which earned him a Golden Globe. He shared the screen with Barbra Streisand in the film.

Along with his solo music career, Kristofferson collaborated with Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash in the 1980s to form the Highwaymen.

During the 2024 CMA Awards, McBryde sang "Help Me Make It Through the Night."

A number of artists, including Sammi Smith, Elvis Presley and Loretta Lynn, have recorded the song that was originally recorded by Kristofferson for his debut album in 1970.

An acoustic version of the song was performed by McBryde while images of Kristofferson were displayed on a screen.

The details of McBryde's tribute performance were kept secret until the CMA Awards.

McBryde stated on the red carpet that she would be paying tribute to Kris Kristofferson tonight with just a guitar accompaniment.

"When I was young, my dad taught me to play "Help Me Make It Through the Night" on the guitar, even though I couldn't hold it properly on my own. Tonight, it's full circle as I play the same song, and I hope my dad watches me."

Toby Keith, the late country music legend known for his hit song "Should've Been a Cowboy," was honored at the 2024 CMA Awards.

The hosts of the show, Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson, and Peyton Manning, raised red Solo cups in a toast during the show, honoring the late country star, in reference to his 2011 single.

"Let's raise a glass to the legendary Toby Keith," Bryan declared. "An exceptional artist, an emblematic American, and a revered country music legend. Toby, you will be sorely missed, buddy."

On social media, fans had mixed reactions to this tribute, with many expressing disappointment over the short duration of the tribute for Keith.

The 2024 CMA Awards included a tribute to the late Tom Petty.

On October 2, 2017, at the age of 66, Petty passed away due to an unintentional drug overdose.

A performance of Petty's hit "American Girl" was given by Dierks Bentley, accompanied by Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes during the show.