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

Trisha Yearwood received the first June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award at the 2024 CMT Music Awards on April 7th. "It's a unique honor for me," she said. "I'm glad to know you've won before even arriving," Yearwood, 59, joked during her acceptance speech. "No one who's ever received a humanitarian award thinks they deserve it." And that's tracking currently. Yearwood also thanked the CMT Music Awards for the honor.

"June Carter Cash was a force, married to one too. I can relate," Yearwood said, mentioning her husband Garth Brooks. She faced challenges but still shone brightly, supported by her husband Johnny Cash. Yearwood hopes everyone can learn from June's legacy. "This isn't one of those 'Look at what I can do, look at my achievements." "I see it as a challenge and a calling to improve.

The new honor, inspired by the late country singer June, recognizes an artist who shows exceptional dedication to community and fellow artists. This artist embodies June's spirit of advocacy and initiative, helping others find their voice and using their platform to inspire and uplift others. "Trisha possesses the rare talent of inspiring communities, whether it's supporting families with Habitat for Humanity or uplifting fellow artists in the industry," said the executive producers of the CMT Music Awards in a statement. "She embodies June's unwavering dedication to service and community, making her the perfect namesake for this award."

Both multi-talented pioneers created a script for others to follow, letting their hearts and authenticity guide their personal, professional, and public lives. Yearwood, known as both a singer and philanthropist, has made a name for herself throughout her career. She worked with Habitat for Humanity for 20 years, and she and Brooks, 62, were named Habitat Humanitarians in 2016. In 2021, she founded Dottie's Yard to support animal rescues and has partnered with organizations like the American Cancer Society, the Humane Society, and the Grammy Foundation's MusiCares. 

Yearwood mentors female artists and spearheads the "Five Decades, One Voice" program in the music industry. She collaborates with the Country Music Hall of Fame to honor genre pioneers. Yearwood prepares to release a new album with cowritten songs, motivated by Brooks. “Something happened last year and it's like, `I won't be afraid to try it,'" she told CMT. Yearwood admitted that the criticism she received for her songwriting wasn't always true. "I accepted it once, but not anymore," she said. "It's difficult, but I'm managing." I'm always nervous at the sessions, but I get less nervous each time. It's been great."