The Country Music Association posted a new statement on Monday (November 9) after Sammy Kershaw and Rodney Atkins said they were not permitted to walk the red carpet at the upcoming 60th CMA Awards.

The Association’s statement reads:

“In recent days, several artists and their fans have spoken out about this year’s CMA Awards red carpet guidelines. Like any major televised event, the red carpet has criteria that exists to help manage limited space and the security needs for both the artists and the media. We are deeply sorry anyone felt excluded by those decisions.

“Our organization’s mission is to honor the history and celebrate the excellence of Country Music. With this 60th anniversary year, we are working extra hard to simultaneously spotlight the last six decades, while also celebrating what has been a tremendous year in 2026. It’s not easy to do all of that in just one night, but we are up for the challenge.

“We also know this is about more than a red carpet, and 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 shared a statement on social media on Thursday (November 5), stating 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.” Carly Pearce, Riley Green, Drew Baldridge, Kylie Morgan, Frank Ray, Jake Owen, Meghan Patrick, Granger Smith, RaeLynn and other artists showed support for Kershaw. Since then, Atkins shared that he and Kershaw “got something in common…Neither one of us got approved to walk the CMA Award red carpet.” Atkins said it was “a shame” for Kershaw to be denied, and expressed his gratitude for achievements in his career. He said he and his wife “decided not to attend this year’s CMA Awards.”

Bobby Bones reacted to Kershaw’s statement on Instagram shortly afterward, and followed up with two additional clips supporting the “90s legend.” The Bobby Bones Show host said on Sunday (November 8) the matter should be corrected because the show should “be about” Dolly Parton. The late legend died on August 25 after a private battle with cancer. She was 80. Bobby said on Instagram that Kershaw and Atkins should get to walk the red carpet if they’d like to “because if they don’t this whole CMA is going to be known for that and not about Dolly. Which, that’s what it should be about. …I do think they’ll fix it. God, I hope they do.” Bobby shared his reaction to the CMA's statement on Monday afternoon.

The 60th CMA Awards is set to return to Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. The show 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.

Entertainment