After 12 consecutive years, Carrie Underwood is stepping down as host of the Country Music Association Awards. The seven-time Grammy winning country singer made the announcement on Instagram Monday afternoon.
“One of the highlights of 2019 and of my entire career so far was being on stage with the legends that are Reba and Dolly Parton. I’m so proud that we could celebrate the incredible female artists that are part of the legacy of country music, past, present and future, and I’m thankful for the huge audiences all over the world that tuned in to see it,”Underwood wrote.
“It’s hard to believe that it was my 12th year hosting and I will always treasure every show, from the 11 that I was so lucky to do with my partner in crime and friend for life, Brad Paisley, to sharing the stage with two of my all-time heroes. I’m so incredibly grateful to everyone involved with the CMA Awards all these years. It’s hard to imagine topping what we have accomplished together, so I’ve decided that it’s time to pass the hosting torch (at least for now!) to others that will cherish it and honor it as much as I do. I’ve got so many exciting things coming in the new year and beyond, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for all of us.”
Underwood has co-hosted the CMAs every year since 2008, usually alongside Brad Paisley. In the 2019, she hosted alongside country legends Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton as part of the ceremony’s celebration of female performers. Over her career she has won nine CMAs.
See her announcement below:
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