The first ever Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award was handed out at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards on Thursday (May 8). The award was given to — “You guessed it,” as host Reba McEntire quipped — country legend Alan Jackson, who also performed his 2003 Hot Country Songs-topping hit ballad “Remember When.”

The song’s music video — a montage of nostalgic-looking photos and footage — played in the background as Jackson performed the sentimental ballad, with the singer shouting out his slide guitarist before the solo as playing “some real country music.”

“Alan, you know we love you,” McEntire said after the performance, handing the award to the longtime country superstar. “It’s quite a honor,” Jackson raved about the award. “A few years ago, one of my fans named a dog after me. I thought that was something…

“I came to Nashville with a paper sack full of a songs and a crazy dream,” he continued. “All these years later, standing here receiving such an honor like this, it is mind blowing. I thank God all the time, for all the people that have been part of my life and career, that helped me get here and maintain this all this tim.”

Jackson went on to specifically thank “one person, who’s been my best friend since I was 17 years old — That’s my wife Denise out there. She’s loved me through the good and the bad, the happy and the sad. Influenced me, gave me three beautiful daughters, and she’s helped me keep my feet on the ground all these years. I would not be here without her.”

The ACM Awards are produced by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Eldridge Industries and Billboard parent company Penske Media.