The Academy of Country Music (ACM) has announced the inception of the ACM Merle Haggard Spirit Award. The award will be presented to an artist whose career reflects the integrity and steadfast spirit embodied by the late Merle Haggard. The inaugural ACM Merle Haggard Spirit Award will be handed out at the 10th Annual ACM Honors ceremony to a recipient still to be announced.

·       Lady Antebellum will host the 10th ACM Honors, which takes place on August 30 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The ceremony will also make its television debut on September 9 at 9:00 PM ET on CBS.