Award-winning singer and longtime CMA Awards host Carrie Underwood has announced she will be stepping down from hosting the award celebration. Announced Monday on Instagram, she posted two pictures of herself. One of the pictures was with Brad Paisley, who would often be beside her during the ceremony as the other host. The other was of 2019’s CMA Awards show back in November where she hosted with Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton.
The 2019 CMA Awards marked Underwood’s 12th year hosting the music-focused award ceremony. Her post claimed the highlight of her career has been celebrating female artists during the CMA Awards with McEntire and Parton by her side.
“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. I’m so proud that we could celebrate the incredible female artists that are part of the legacy of country music, past, present and future, and I’m thankful for the huge audiences all over the world that tuned in to see it.”
She went on to talk about her “partner in crime,” Brad Paisley, and then feeling grateful for the years she’s been hosting the show.
“I will always treasure every show, from the 11 that I was so lucky to do with my partner in crime and friend for life, Brad Paisley, to sharing the stage with two of my all-time heroes. I’m so incredibly grateful to everyone involved with the CMA Awards all these years.”
Finally, she said it was time to “pass the hosting torch.” Though, she also isn’t against returning in the future but isn’t clear how long she plans on taking a break from hosting the ceremony.
“It’s hard to imagine topping what we have accomplished together, so 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. I’ve got so many exciting things coming in the new year and beyond, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for all of us.”
