After 12 Years, Carrie Underwood Steps Down As Host Of CMA Awards

Image Group LA / Contributor / Getty Images

2019 marks the end of an era where the CMA Awards are concerned.

Before the 2019 ceremony, it was announced that Carrie Underwood‘s longtime co-host, Brad Paisley, was not returning. Instead, Underwood received assistance from two new guest co-hosts, Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire.

The three hosts joined other female artists in an opening medley that celebrated the iconic women of country music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPacGAykVQg

Since the 2019 ceremony was all about recognizing the accomplishments of female artists, fans wondered if that was why McEntire and Parton were picked to co-host alongside Underwood. Some remained hopeful that Paisley would come back to host with Underwood in 2020.

But those hopes have now been dashed, as Underwood announced on Monday (December 30) that she has decided to step down from hosting future ceremonies.

Underwood announced the news in a post on Instagram. In the post, she reflected on her experience hosting the CMA Awards with McEntire and Parton this year:

“One of the highlights of 2019 and of my entire career so far was being on stage with the legends that are Reba and Dolly Parton,” she wrote.

She also took the time to acknowledge Paisley, writing, “…and I will always treasure every show, from the 11 [years] that I was so lucky to do with my partner in crime and friend for life, Brad Paisley…”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6tSXTTlCYg/

Then, Underwood shared she has decided to pass the hosting duties on to someone else in 2020. Though she did leave a shred of hope that she may return to host a future ceremony one day:

“I’ve decided that it’s time to pass the hosting torch (at least for now!) to others that will cherish it and honor it as much as I do,” she said.

In her 12 years as the host of the CMA Awards, Underwood entertained us with performances, jokes, and parody songs that will forever be a part of country music history. Look back on some of her most memorable hosting moments with Paisley by tuning in to the video below.

We’re sad to hear that Underwood will no longer be hosting the CMA Awards. Though we have to admit, we’re excited to see who will go on to fill her and Paisley’s shoes!