On May 8, 2025, the Academy of Country Music celebrated a historic milestone—60 years of the ACM Awards—with unforgettable performances and emotional tributes. But one of the evening’s most poignant moments came from country music legend Alan Jackson, who delivered a deeply moving rendition of his 2003 hit “Remember When”, marking what may be his final appearance at the ACM Awards.

As Jackson prepares to retire from touring later this month due to ongoing health issues, his presence on the ACM stage carried extraordinary weight. Despite his decision to step back from performing, he reminded the world exactly why he is considered one of the most revered singer-songwriters in modern country music.

The crowd at the Ford Center rose to their feet before he sang a single note. Eschewing flashy production, Jackson kept the focus on the music. A video montage played softly behind him while the stage glowed in muted blue light. With his voice cracking with emotion, Jackson held the final note of the song through tears—leaving the audience equally overwhelmed.

Rather than perform one of his 36 No. 1 Billboard country singles, Jackson chose a song that resonated perfectly with the night’s theme of reflection and legacy. “Remember When” explores the depth of lifelong love and family, inspired by Jackson’s real-life relationship with his wife, Denise, and their daughters. Released in October 2003 as part of his Greatest Hits Volume II, the track topped the charts for two weeks and has since become one of his most iconic works—alongside hits like “Chattahoochee” and “Don’t Rock the Jukebox.”

This year’s ACM Awards opened with a look back at past Song of the Year winners, setting the tone for an evening honoring both the genre’s past and its future. Alan Jackson’s performance embodied that spirit perfectly. His stripped-down delivery of “Remember When” was a reminder that true artistry lies in authenticity, storytelling, and emotional connection—all qualities Jackson has brought to country music for over three decades.

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Jelly Roll stepped onto the Stagecoach Festival stage, the crowd buzzing with anticipation, and delivered a tribute that no one saw coming. As the first notes of “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” echoed through the air, his voice, thick with raw emotion, filled the night. The song wasn’t just a cover—it was a heartfelt salute to the late Toby Keith, each word drenched in reverence and pain. By the time the final note faded, the entire crowd was silent, the weight of the moment settling over them. Among them, Blake Shelton wiped away tears, visibly moved by the sheer power of the performance.

In recognition of his enduring impact, Alan Jackson will also be honored with the ACM’s Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating a career that has shaped and defined country music for generations.

As Jackson prepares to take his final bow, his 2025 ACM Awards performance stands as a defining moment—a heartfelt farewell from a man whose songs have become part of the fabric of American country music.