Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award

The Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, instituted in 2012 during the 46th CMA Awards, is given by the Country Music Association. The presentation of the award is intended to "honor an iconic artist who has attained the highest degree of recognition in Country Music (that) achieved both national and international prominence and stature through concert performances, humanitarian efforts, philanthropy, record sales, and public representation at the highest level", with the condition that the recipient "must have positively impacted and contributed to the growth of the genre over time".

The award, first presented to Willie Nelson, and named after him, was designed by Chicago manufacturer R.S. Owens & Company. The trophy was built resembling the "bullet shape" of a regular CMA award, formed by two aluminum struts that support a bronze medallion on top, with the entire structure attached to a walnut base.

Willie Nelson, the inaugural recipient and namesake of the award

2013 honoree Kenny Rogers

The award was given to Johnny Cash posthumously

Dolly Parton is the first female recipient

^ A. Cash's award was presented posthumously and therefore, a tribute was not given at the 2015 CMA Awards however, a tribute was performed at the 2003 ceremony

...
Wikipedia