Trisha Yearwood Receives Prestigious June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award at the 2024 CMT Music Awards

Trisha Yearwood Wins Inaugural June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award at the 2024 CMT Music Awards

Trisha Yearwood Hubert Vestil/Getty Images

Trisha Yearwood was honored with the inaugural June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award at the 2024 CMT Music Awards on Sunday, April 7.

During her acceptance speech, the 59-year-old singer joked, "I have never received an award like this before. It's nice to know you've won before you even arrive. I don't think anyone who has ever received a humanitarian award truly believes they deserve it. And that is definitely the case for me right now."

Yearwood expressed her gratitude to the CMT Music Awards for the recognition. She acknowledged the strong presence of June Carter Cash, who was married to the iconic Johnny Cash. Drawing parallels to her own life with husband Garth Brooks, Yearwood reflected on the challenges faced by powerful couples like them.

She emphasized June's ability to shine brightly despite difficulties and highlighted the unwavering support she received from Johnny Cash. Yearwood shared her admiration for June's resilience and determination in maintaining her own identity within a partnership.

In conclusion, Yearwood urged everyone to take inspiration from June's legacy. She viewed the award as a reminder to continually strive for improvement rather than a mere celebration of personal achievements. Yearwood saw it as a meaningful opportunity to embrace the challenge of bettering oneself.

The new honor is inspired by late country singer June, who passed away in May 2003 at the age of 73. It recognizes an artist who shows exceptional dedication to their community and fellow artists. This artist embodies June's spirit as a fierce advocate, helping others find their voice and using their platform to inspire and uplift others.

Trisha, the recipient of this award, has a special talent for bringing communities together. Whether it's supporting families in need with Habitat for Humanity or encouraging fellow artists in the industry, she truly embodies the bold strength of June. June dedicated herself tirelessly to service and community, serving as the namesake for this award. Trisha and June are both trailblazers who have set an example for others to follow, letting their hearts and authenticity guide their personal, professional, and public lives.

Trisha Yearwood Wins Inaugural June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award at the 2024 CMT Music Awards

Trisha Yearwood Chris Saucedo/Getty Images

Yearwood is not only known for her singing career but also for her philanthropic efforts. She has been involved with Habitat for Humanity for twenty years and in 2016, she and her husband Brooks were honored as Habitat Humanitarians. In addition, she founded Dottie’s Yard in 2021 to support animal rescues and has partnered with various organizations like the American Cancer Society, the Humane Society, and the Grammy Foundation’s MusiCares.

In the music industry, Yearwood serves as a mentor to female artists. She spearheads the “Five Decades, One Voice” initiative and collaborates with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to preserve the legacy of past female artists in the genre.

Yearwood is getting ready to launch a new album that includes songs she wrote herself. Back in college, she received negative feedback about her songwriting skills, so she decided to not write her own songs. However, in June 2023, she shared that she was taking a new step with the support of Brooks.

"I've had a shift in mindset over the past year, and I'm ready to take a chance," she mentioned in an interview with CMT.

Yearwood admitted that the criticism she faced for her songwriting in the past was not entirely fair. "I used to believe it, but not anymore," she shared. "It's still a challenge for me, but I'm pushing through. I still feel nervous every time I step into the studio, but I'm getting more comfortable with each session. Overall, it's been a positive experience."

Editor's P/S:

Trisha Yearwood's acceptance speech for the inaugural June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award was heartfelt and inspiring. Yearwood highlighted June's unwavering support for Johnny Cash and her ability to maintain her own identity within their partnership. She urged everyone to take inspiration from June's legacy and strive for continual improvement. Yearwood's own philanthropic efforts, including her work with Habitat for Humanity and her mentorship of female artists, demonstrate her commitment to community service and empowerment.

The award recognizes artists who embody June Carter Cash's spirit of advocacy and support for others. Trisha Yearwood is a deserving recipient, as her work both within and outside the music industry has made a positive impact on countless lives. The award serves as a reminder of the importance of using one's platform to inspire and uplift others, and Yearwood's unwavering commitment to these values is an example for us all.