The Academy of Country Music held its Honors ceremony on Wednesday 19 August at The Pinnacle in Nashville, celebrating both leading stars and the industry professionals who work behind the scenes. Hosted for the sixth year by Carly Pearce alongside co-host Parker McCollum, the evening opened with a tribute to Dolly Parton, who received the ACM Poet's Award, before recognising a broad range of artists, songwriters and executives for their contributions to the genre.

Top honourees included Parton, The Carter Family, Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves, Ella Langley, Bill Anderson and songwriter Brett James, alongside music executives Leslie Fram, Mike Curb and Scott Zolke. Ella Langley, though not present, received the artist-songwriter of the year award and was honoured in song by rising artists Avery Anna, Kaitlin Butts and Gabriella Rose, while Pearce paid tribute to 65-year Grand Ole Opry member Bill Anderson, recipient of the ACM Icon Award, with a performance of his song "Whiskey Lullaby". The night also recognised venues including the Ryman Auditorium and Bridgestone Arena, the Stagecoach festival, and numerous ACM Studio Recording and industry award winners, with performances from artists such as Dierks Bentley, Sheryl Crow, Trisha Yearwood and Megan Moroney.