Kris Kristofferson will be receiving one of the Country Music Association's most prestigious honors at this year's CMA Awards, taking home the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. However, Kristofferson won't be there to take home his trophy firsthand next Wednesday night (Nov. 13).

Instead, Kristofferson is scheduled to play a previously announced show in Davenport, Iowa, according to his tour calendar. It's far from unheard of for an artist to honor a concert date over an awards show: Back in February, Kelly Clarkson skipped the 2019 Grammy Awards (where she was a nominated artist) due to a conflict with her tour schedule, for example. Chris Stapleton has had to prioritize in the past, too, sitting out the 2018 ACM Awards (where he won the title of Album of the Year) because of the birth of his twins.

Of course, it's a pretty big deal to win a Lifetime Achievement Award at one of country music's biggest awards shows, but Kristofferson likely never would have ascended to the level of artistry allowing him to win such a title if he didn't make a habit of putting his fans first.

For the country fans that will be in attendance, however -- and for those watching from home -- the show will deliver an exciting treat in celebration of Kristofferson. Dierks Bentley, Sheryl Crow, Chris Janson and the Brothers Osborne's John Osborne will team up for a performance of his classic "Me and Bobby McGee" during the ceremony.

The 2019 CMA Awards are scheduled to air on ABC on Nov. 13, at 8PM ET; the ceremony will take place live at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton and Carrie Underwood will co-host the event, which will also be highlighting some of country music's female artists.

The Boot will be staying up late covering the most buzzed-about winners, fashion and moments at the 2019 CMA Awards. Readers can watch along with us by checking back to TheBoot.com for the latest CMAs headlines, liking The Boot on Facebook and following The Boot on Twitter.

Wacky and Wild CMA Awards Fashions

Test Your CMA Awards Knowledge!

More From Kicker 102.5