Trisha Yearwood accepts inaugural June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award at CMT Music Awards

As a country music superstar and the wife of one of the genre's icons, Garth Brooks, it's not hard to figure out why Trisha Yearwood would feel a bond with June Carter Cash.

But it was their shared dedication to philanthropic works that was the tie that bound them Sunday at the CMT Music Awards.

A former Owasso resident, Yearwood received the inaugural June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award during the awards show, which aired live from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, on CBS.

The honor is named for the late June Carter Cash (1929-1973), who was a five-time Grammy Award winner, a member of the Carter family, which is known as "the first family of country music," and the second wife of music icon Johnny Cash.

"June Carter Cash was a force, and she was also married to a force. I know a little bit about a life like that. I know it wasn't always easy, but she found ways to make sure to keep shining her own light. And she had no bigger fan than her husband. ... I also know a little bit about that," Yearwood said in accepting the award.

"I only hope with this to be as big a part of my community and as good of a friend to fellow artists as she was. It can be really hard to stand up for what is right and what you believe in. June just did it: She walked the walk. She didn't just say what she believed, she lived it. And she was strong in a very human way."

Why did Jane Seymour present Trisha Yearwood with the June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award?

The June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award recognizes an artist, duo, group or industry veteran who demonstrates an exceptional dedication to the community and their fellow artists, embodying Cash's spirit as a fierce advocate and initiator in paying it forward, helping others find their voice and using their platform to inspire and uplift others.

In presenting the inaugural award, "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" actress Jane Seymour recalled when Yearwood guest-starred on her hit 1990s television series.

"I witnessed firsthand her special ability to inspire those around her. She rallies people for causes she believes in, whether that's through Habitat for Humanity's Carter Work Project, or her efforts to support animal rescues all over the country," Seymour said.

The star-studded audience gave Yearwood a standing ovation when she took the stage to receive the trophy.

"I have never got an award like this. I will say it's nice to know you've won before you got here," said Yearwood, who attended the show with her sister, Beth.

"But I don't think anybody who's ever received a humanitarian award thinks they deserve it. And that is absolutely tracking right now."

What did Trisha Yearwood have to say about June Carter Cash at the CMT Music Awards?

Yearwood’s extensive philanthropic efforts include her work with Habitat for Humanity over the past two decades, including the Carter Work Project and National Women Build Week. She was named a Habitat Humanitarian in 2016, along with her husband.

Yearwood's charitable involvement also extends to establishing Dottie’s Yard to help animal rescues and supporting the Stanford Women’s Cancer Center, American Cancer Society, Humane Society, Grammy Foundation MusiCares, Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential, Starkey Hearing Foundation, Susan B. Komen Foundation and more.

The Georgia native expressed her thanks that the humanitarian award was named for Cash, whom she said was "one of the most fierce, one of the coolest, most passionate women."

"I knew her just a little bit, but it didn't take long to see that she embodied the very essence of what this award is about. ... My hope is that we can all learn a little bit from June Carter Cash's legacy and be a little bit more real, be a little bit more vulnerable. Be a little bit of about less about me and a little bit more about us," said Yearwood, whose husband didn't appear at the awards show.

"I really look at this as a challenge and a calling just to be better. Garth and I believe to whom much is given, much is expected, and if you know me, my mantra is 'love one another.' And so, my challenge to all of us is to not just say it, but let's actually go out there and do it."

What song did Trisha Yearwood perform on the CMT Music Awards?

Along with receiving the new honor, the three-time Grammy Award winner gave the world-premiere performance of her new single “Put It In A Song."

The vulnerable ballad is the first release from her forthcoming album. The new collection will mark a significant milestone in her storied career, as it features songs co-written by Yearwood.

Yearwood co-wrote "Put It In A Song" with Jim "Moose" Brown and Erin Enderlin.

Sunday marked Yearwood's first appearance on the CMT Music Awards since 2019.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Trisha Yearwood at the CMT Awards last night: New song, honors