Country Music Hall Of Fame Announces Two Mega Stars, Legendary Producer As New Inductees

The Country Music Hall of Fame announced June Carter Cash, Tony Brown and Kenny Chesney as the 2025 inductees in a Tuesday press conference.

During a morning news conference, Vince Gill took a moment to talk about the personal connections he shares with all three of the incoming honorees who will be officially inducted in a formal ceremony in the fall of 2025. The Country Music Hall of Fame followed with an announcement on their official website, praising the talents of the stars they selected for this special honor.

“Hailing from Virginia, June Carter Cash was a vibrant presence in country music for more than sixty years as a singer, comedienne, songwriter, and Grammy-winning duet partner of her husband, Johnny Cash,” the organization wrote.

The went on to acknowledge Tony Brown, who they said, “advanced from being an in-demand keyboard player to shaping the genre’s modern sound as a hit record producer and savvy label executive who signed many influential artists.”

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 25: Tony Brown speaks onstage during the Country Music Hall of Fame Inductee Announcement at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on March 25, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

Next to be honored was Chesney, who was credited as being “a four-time CMA Entertainer of the Year.”  The organization noted that the “Tennessee native Kenny Chesney parlayed a resonant baritone voice, a talent for songwriting, and a competitive spirit into more than fifty Top Ten country hits, sixteen platinum albums, and stadium-filling tours.”

Each of the talented stars were given the opportunity to speak from their personal perspectives.

Brown’ was inducted in the rotating non-performer category, and expressed genuine excitement about being recognized.

“I’ve had a lot of big things happen in my life and my career. This is the biggest,” Brown said.

“I’ve always wanted to be in the Hall of Fame. I never ever, imagined I would be…. This is better than money. This is about making an impact. When it comes down to it, that’s why we all get into this business, to make an impact. This means more than anything could ever mean to me.”

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 25: Tony Brown speaks onstage during the Country Music Hall of Fame Inductee Announcement at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on March 25, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

The late June Carter Cash was represented by her children Carlene Carter, and John Carter Cash.

“My mom was a force of nature,” said Carlene. Anything that’s good about me is because of that woman. My mama was the shit, y’all,” she said.

UNITED STATES – JANUARY 01: Photo of June CARTER and Johnny CASH; Johnny Cash and wife June Carter Cash performing on stage (Photo by Andrew Lepley/Redferns) Getty Images

Chesney was deeply honored and shared how much it meant to him to be welcomed to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

“I had a big dream, and I’m still pushing that dream as far as I can… I just wanted to spread as much love and positive energy as I could,” Chesney said. “Standing up here, I know it’s not a dream, it’s real, but it’s so surreal.” The star is being inducted in the modern performer category.

CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 19: Kenny Chesney performs onstage during the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony streaming on Disney+ at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 19, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s annual Medallion Ceremony is an invitation-only event takes place in the Museum’s CMA Theater. The ceremony ends with the deep-rooted tradition of everyone singing “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” (RELATED: Mariah Carey One Of 2025 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Nominees)

Notable Country Music Hall of Famers include Brooks & Dunn, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Patsy Cline.