CMT Artists of the Year Special To Honor Kenny Rogers, Chris Stapleton

Kenny Rogers and Chris Stapleton are the latest honorees named as part of the upcoming CMT Artists of the Year special, to be aired live from Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville on Wednesday, Dec. 2, beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

Rogers will be honored with the “Artist of a Lifetime” award, presented by Ram Trucks. Rogers, who earlier this year announced his retirement from touring, will be honored for his extensive music career spanning across multiple genres for decades. The entertainer is the second recipient of the honor, with Merle Haggard receiving it in 2014.

“You go through your life and your career and you try to do the right things and make the right decisions. You don’t always do that, but I have been very lucky. I am grateful for it all. This is a great honor and one I highly treasure. Being in with Merle Haggard on anything is always a thrill. To CMT, the fans, and all who made this incredible award possible, I can’t thank you enough,” said Rogers.

Following his memorable CMA Awards performance with Justin Timberlake and triple CMA Awards wins, Stapleton will be honored with the first “CMT Artists of the Year Breakout” honor. He will also perform during the show.

However, this won’t be Stapleton’s first CMT Artists of the Year appearance. He previously performed Luke Bryan’s single “Drink A Beer” with Lady Antebellum during the CMT Artists of the Year taping in 2014. Stapleton is a co-writer on the song, and Lady Antebellum filled in for Bryan after he had to cancel his appearance following the sudden death of his brother-in-law in Georgia.

Rogers and Stapleton will join previously announced CMT Artists of the Year 2015 honorees Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan and Sam Hunt.

CMT Artists of the Year is executive produced by Switched On Entertainment’s John Hamlin. Jayson Dinsmore and Margaret Comeaux serve as executive producers for CMT.