Lainey Wilson joins two icons in the history books
After sharing the stage with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning last year, Lainey Wilson is set to host the 2025 CMA Awards on her own. In addition to hosting, she's also up for several awards, including Country Music's Top Prize as CMA Entertainer of the Year. More impressively, the current gig gives Lainey Wilson the distinction of being only the third woman to ever host the CMA Awards solo. Wilson joins an elite list of Country Divas that include Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire as the only women to ever stand center stage alone and reign over Country Music's Biggest Night.
Looking back, Dolly hosted the show in 1988 with Reba taking charge in 1991. On Nov. 19, 2025, Lainey Wilson will join the exclusive club. Perhaps, like the other queens, she's on her way to only needing to use her first name?!
Check out our tributes to CMA Winners Kenny Rogers, Charley Pride, Anne Murray and Kathy Mattea.
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