NASHVILLE, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- The Country Music Association said Saturday that final nominees for a CMA award will be granted complimentary membership for life in the association.
"We want to acknowledge the career achievement and contributions of all Grand Ole Opry members and all artists who have been nominated on the final ballot for a CMA award by granting these performers lifetime membership in CMA," said CMA Executive Director Ed Benson.
"Their accomplishments warrant our gratitude and this is a sincere token of our appreciation."
Previously, CMA only granted lifetime membership to those inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
CMA's Artist Relations Committee, which is chaired by Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn, made the recommendation at CMA's September Board meeting and approved unanimously by the board of directors.
The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating its 78th birthday Saturday, on the Opry's new cable network home Great American Country.
