Sammy Kershaw accepts CMA apology; awards attendance still undecided

Sammy Kershaw says he has accepted an apology from Country Music Association leadership following his dispute over CMA Awards red-carpet access. In a November 10 statement, the singer said the organization also invited him and his wife, Mendy, to walk the carpet and attend the November 18 awards in Nashville.

The update followed several days of discussions with CMA leadership. Kershaw described a private conversation as “sincere and meaningful” and said officials acknowledged how they had handled the situation. “They have acknowledged how this situation was handled and extended a sincere, heartfelt apology, which I have personally accepted,” he wrote in his statement. He thanked the organization for listening to his concerns and working toward a positive outcome.

Accepting the apology does not mean Kershaw has accepted the invitation. His statement expressed gratitude for the offer without announcing plans to attend. In an updated Facebook post, reporter Nick Beres said Kershaw’s publicist told him the singer was invited but had not decided whether to go. The 60th CMA Awards are scheduled for Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

Kershaw first raised the issue on November 5, saying the CMA had denied his request to walk the red carpet with Mendy. The association’s November 9 public response cited limited space and security needs and said it was in contact with his team. Kershaw said that response took too long and fell short of addressing his concerns, but he wanted to give officials an opportunity to make things right.

In the new statement, Kershaw said the response from fans and fellow artists had broadened the discussion to recognition for earlier generations of country performers. “This was never about the red carpet. It was about recognizing and respecting those who dedicated their lives to this music and preserving the history and legacy that makes country music so special,” he wrote. He said he respected the talent carrying the genre forward and believed there was room to celebrate all generations. Kershaw expressed hope that the conversations would bring greater recognition for legacy artists; he did not announce a new CMA policy.

Sources: Sammy Kershaw; Nick Beres; CMA; PEOPLE; FOX 17.