Reba McEntire was on hand in Nashville Monday night (Dec. 15) to receive the first-ever Nash Icon award at the first-ever American Country Countdown Awards.

Kix Brooks presented the award, introducing the country legend with some glowing remarks.

"She's become one of the most lasting success stories in country music history," he said. "Everything that she has ever gotten, she has more than earned."

Miranda Lambert and Kelly Clarkson came out to pay musical tribute to McEntire, performing a medley of hits that provided one of the musical highlights of the evening, including 'How Blue' and 'Take It Back.'

Reba herself joined in for 'Fancy,' raising the musical bar even a notch higher in a trio performance with two of country's hottest younger stars that resulted in a standing ovation.

"This is a very special honor, and it sure means the world to me to be thought of as a valued member of our country music family," McEntire said. "I feel very blessed to still be making country music and sharing it with the people in America and around the world who love it as much as I do."

She also offered some words of wisdom for the younger generation of country stars.

"I pray you have the chance to live a whole beautiful life making music for the people who give us the greatest job in the world: our fans."

See Pics From the First-Ever American Country Countdown Awards

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