Kristofferson presents Hall of Fame award to Jerry Lee Lewis

Photo: Kris Kristofferson presents the Country Music Hall of Fame award to Jerry Lee Lewis (Jerry Lee Lewis/Facebook)

Music legend Jerry Lee Lewis was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame last Sunday, Oct. 16, but illness kept him from the induction ceremony. However, Lewis, who lives in Nesbit, had his Hall of Fame award personally presented to him by another music legend. 

Kris Kristofferson accepted in his honor from Hank Williams Jr. and Kris and wife Lisa came to Memphis to present the award to Jerry Lee in person, according to Lewis’ Facebook page.  

Quoting the post, “We love you, Kris, thank you so much – and major thanks to all the millions of fans who supported this effort, fellow Hall of Famers and artists, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and staff and CMA Country Music Association for honoring him. The Killer’s acceptance note is below.”

“Dear friends and fans in Nashville, 

It is with heartfelt sadness and disappointment that I write to you today from my sick bed, rather than be able to share my thoughts in person. I tried everything I could to build up the strength to come today – I’ve looked forward to it since I found out about it earlier this year. My sincerest apologies to all of you for missing this fine event, but I hope to see you all soon. 

To be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame is the highest honor in Country music. Through over 60 years singing music professionally, country has always been the genre where I felt the most at home – between my fellow artists, the radio and the industry players — some of them anyway. I am honored to be going into that Hall of Fame rotunda with some of my heroes – Hank Williams Sr., Jimmie Rodgers and the like – not to mention so many amazing friends who have been so good to me through the years.

Thank you all for your support and love and for electing me into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and most of all, thanks to God for allowing me to experience this honor while I am still here. Since I could not be in-person with you today, I have asked one of my closest and dearest friends to accept this great honor for me – and he’s no stranger to this process: the legendary Kris Kristofferson.”

The link to the Facebook page is found here.