The 2024 CMA awards ceremony featured a tribute performance from Ashley McBryde in honor of the late Kris Kristofferson, who died in his Maui home weeks ago. She did a moving acoustic of his 1970 release, “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” while images of the country icon were displayed in the background.
Although the cause of Kris Kristofferson’s death was not disclosed by his family, he suffered from memory loss and Lyme disease in his seventies, however, his symptoms reduced over time. He was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia, causing his muscles to spasm painfully at intervals.
What inspired the Kris Kristofferson tribute at the 2024 CMA Awards?
Before the main event, Ashley McBryde admitted on the red carpet that she learned to play “Help Me Through The Night” on her guitar as a kid, thanks to her father, who was a country music fan. The 41-year-old hoped her dad would watch the show to see her perform the classic.
Ashley McBryde arrived at the event wearing a plum dress with a cape. However, she changed into a tuxedo with a denim vest and jeans for the tribute performance. She let her gorgeous curls down and showed off her tattoos as she strummed the guitar to her heartfelt vocals.
Other tributes at the 2024 CMA Awards
Other late icons like Toby Keith— who died of stomach cancer in February, and Tom Petty, were also honored with special performances. Hosts Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson, and Peyton Manning made a toast to Toby Keith with red Solo cups, referencing his 2011 hit “Red Solo Cup.”
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By the end of the night, Ashley McBryde shared snaps from the ceremony, including a clip of her tribute to Kris Kristofferson. Both her fans and his left touching comments, praising her voice and remembering the late icon. “Beautiful tribute to Kris! You could tell how much it meant to his family!” someone quipped.