Watch Blake Shelton’s emotional close to ACM Awards
It was an emotional end to the show on Sunday.
Mason Reed 
The 2026 ACM Awards reached a poignant conclusion on Sunday as Blake Shelton took the stage for a heartfelt tribute to the legendary songwriter Don Schlitz. Shelton delivered an emotional rendition of the timeless Kenny Rogers classic, "The Gambler," honoring the music icon's lasting legacy.
Remembering a Songwriting Titan
Schlitz, who passed away in April at the age of 73 following a sudden illness, left an indelible mark on country music. His work on "The Gambler," recorded by Rogers in 1978, helped bridge the gap between country and pop, earning five-time platinum status from the RIAA. As a member of the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, Schlitz is remembered as one of the most influential figures in the history of the genre.
A Storied Career
Schlitz was behind some of the most celebrated tracks in music history. His extensive catalog includes hits like Randy Travis’s "On the Other Hand" and "Forever and Ever, Amen," The Judds’ "I Know Where I’m Going," and Mary Chapin Carpenter’s "He Thinks He’ll Keep Her." Additionally, he penned the collaborative track "You Can’t Make Old Friends," which reunited Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers for their first duet since 1983.
Decorated Legacy
Throughout his career, Schlitz garnered immense recognition, including multiple Grammy, CMA, and ACM awards. His writing prowess was honored with three CMA Song of the Year awards and two ACM Song of the Year awards, while his consistency as a writer earned him the title of ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year for four consecutive years between 1988 and 1991. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Association Hall of Fame in 1993.
Beyond his professional accolades, Schlitz is survived by his wife Stacey, his children Cory Dixon and Pete Schlitz, four grandchildren, and his siblings, Brad Schlitz and Kathy Hinkley.
