Sammy Kershaw shared a new statement after having a “sincere and meaningful private conversation” with the Country Music Association’s leadership.

Kershaw, 68, revealed on November 5 that the CMA “denied my request to walk the red carpet for a few minutes at this year’s CMA Awards, and I have to say I’m pretty sad about it.” Many country stars showed support for Kershaw, and another artist, Rodney Atkins, said he’d also been denied access to the red carpet. The Country Music Association posted a statement on Monday (November 9), saying, in part, “We are deeply sorry anyone felt excluded by those decisions. …We are committed to keep listening and keep finding ways to make sure all artists feel welcome and at home here. To that point, we are in touch with Sammy Kershaw’s team and look forward to continuing that conversation.”

Kershaw said in an update posted on Instagram on Tuesday evening (November 10):

“First, I want to sincerely say THANK YOU to the thousands of fans, fellow artists, friends, and people throughout the country music community who have spoken up over the past several days. I am truly humbled beyond words. The outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming, and touched my heart in ways I will never forget.

“When I first shared my disappointment about being denied the opportunity to walk the red carpet at this year’s CMA Awards, I wasn’t trying to start a controversy or looking for attention. I simply spoke from my heart because I was hurt. I never imagined the response would reach so many people across American and around the world.

“But, something happened that I never expected. As this story continued to unfold, it became clear from many thousands of people that this wasn’t just about me. It was for those who came before me, the men and women who gave us their hearts, their voices, their lives to country music. The ones who rode those highways long before there were tour buses. The ones who played the honky-tonks and sacrificed time away from their families. This is about something much bigger than me or any one artist. Those artists didn’t just give country music its sound. They gave it its soul.

“This was never about the red carpet, it was about recognizing and respecting those who dedicated their lives to this music and preserving the history and legacy that makes country music so special.

“Over the past several days, we have been I talks with CMA leadership in hopes of finding a positive resolution.

“While I was disappointed with the time it took for the CMA to publicly respond, and felt their statement fell short of addressing the heart of the issue, I also believe in giving people the opportunity to make things right.

“I’m pleased to share that we’ve since had a sincere and meaningful private conversation with CMA leadership. They have acknowledged how this situation was handled and extended a sincere, heartfelt apology, which I have personally accepted.”

The Country Music Association’s milestone 60th CMA Awards will return on November 18 to Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Lainey Wilson will host the show for her third consecutive year. She’s also set to take the stage, along with Luke Combs, Vince Gill, Megan Moroney, Mumford & Sons, Chris Stapleton, Stephen Wilson Jr., Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, Halestorm, HARDY, Marcus King, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Tim McGraw, Kacey Musgraves, The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top and Tucker Wetmore.

Brooks & Dunn will receive the 2026 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. The Country Music Association also announced a special tribute to late legend Dolly Parton, who “died peacefully” on August 25 in Nashville, Tennessee, according to an official announcement issued at that time. She was 80.

Find the full list of nominees here.

The 60th CMA Awards will air on Wednesday, November 18 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on ABC and Disney+, and the following day on Hulu.

Billy Greenwood