Sammy Kershaw has released an “official statement” following the controversy surrounding his request to walk the red carpet at the upcoming 60th Annual CMA Awards. The country hitmaker revealed that he has accepted an apology from the Country Music Association (CMA) and that he and his wife, Mendy, have been invited to attend the ceremony and walk the red carpet. However, it remains unclear whether the couple plans to attend.
In a new statement shared via Facebook, Kershaw began by thanking the thousands of fans, fellow artists and members of the country music community who have spoken out in his support after he revealed that his request to walk the red carpet had been denied. He admitted that the outpouring of love and support was overwhelming and explained that he never intended to spark a controversy when he initially spoke out.
“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,” he wrote. “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 America and around the world.”
As the conversation continued to unfold, Kershaw said he came to realize that the situation had grown into something much bigger. He explained that the response brought attention to the generations of artists who helped build country music and deserve to have their contributions recognized.
“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.”
Kershaw went on to address his conversations with CMA leadership, admitting that he felt the organization’s initial public response fell short of addressing the heart of the issue. However, he said their private discussions have been positive and ultimately led to an apology.
“Over the past several days, we have been in 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.”
Although Kershaw has not confirmed whether he and Mendy will attend this year’s ceremony, he expressed gratitude for the invitation extended by the CMA.
“The CMA has also extended an invitation for my wife, Mendy, and me to walk the red carpet and attend this year’s awards alongside our fellow artists. I am grateful for that invitation and appreciate their willingness to listen, acknowledge our concerns, and work toward a positive outcome.”
For Kershaw, one of the most important outcomes of the controversy is the conversation it has sparked about honoring the artists who paved the way and helped shape country music into what it is today.
“You cannot celebrate 60 years of country music without celebrating the artists who helped build those 60 years,” he urged. “Country music has always been about honoring where we’ve come from while embracing where we’re going. I have nothing but respect for the incredible talent carrying country music into the future. Every generation of artists deserves its moment to shine, and I believe there’s room to celebrate all of them. My sincere hope is that the conversations we’ve begun with the CMA will lead to lasting change and an even greater appreciation and recognition of our industry’s legacy artists for many years to come.”
He also shared a powerful reminder about the importance of preserving country music’s history, writing, “Because the spotlight may move on, the charts may change, and the years may pass. But the people who built country music should never be forgotten.”
In closing, Kershaw once again thanked the fans who stood up for him and the artists who spoke out throughout the situation. He said their support reminded him of what makes the country music community special, writing, “…you reminded me that country music is still more than an industry. It’s a family.”