Ricky Skaggs & Families of Dottie West and Johnny Gimble React to 2018 Country Music Hall of Fame Inductees Announcement

The Country Music Association hosted a press conference in the famed Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum Rotunda earlier today to announce the 2018 class of Country Music Hall of Fame inductees. Ricky Skaggs and the families of Johnny Gimble and Dottie West were on hand to accept the honor. Watch the livestream at CMA's YouTube Channel.

Gimble will be inducted in the "Recording and/or Touring Musician" category, which is awarded every third year in rotation with the "Songwriter" and "Non-Performer" categories. Skaggs will join the "Modern Era Artist" category, while West will be inducted in the "Veterans Era Artist" category, bringing the total of members to 136.

Skaggs was present for the announcement. Gimble, who died in 2015, was remembered by his daughter Cyndy Gimble, son Dick Gimble, and granddaughter Emily Gimble, the latter two of which paid tribute with a performance of "Under the X in Texas." West, who died in 1991, was remembered by son Kerry West, granddaughter Tess Frizzell Bishop and longtime friend and Country Music legend Jeannie Seely.

Country Music Hall of Fame member, 13-time CMA Awards winner and reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Garth Brooks, as well as three-time CMA Awards winner Trisha Yearwood hosted the press conference. Hall of Fame members Bobby Bare, Don Schlitz and The Oak Ridge Boys attended.

A formal induction ceremony for Gimble, Skaggs and West will take place at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum in the CMA Theater later this year. Since 2007, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum's Medallion Ceremony, an annual reunion of the Hall of Fame membership, has served as the official rite of induction for new members.

CMA created the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961 to recognize noteworthy individuals for their outstanding contributions to the format with Country Music's highest honor.

Following the press conference, CMA hosted its 15th Annual Artist Luncheon. CMA Artist members in attendance were treated to a conversation between Skaggs and WSM Radio's Bill Cody, along with a special Q&A session moderated by Cody.

Photo Credit: John Russell/CMA

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