Shane McAnally Gives Moving Speech at ACM Honors: 'I Didn't Know You Could Be in Country Music and Be Gay'

Shane McAnally flashes a big smile while hitting the blue carpet at the 2019 ACM Honors held at the Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday (August 21) in Nashville, Tenn.

The 44-year-old Grammy-winning singer-songwriter was honored as the 2019 ACM Songwriter of the Year at the ceremony, celebrating the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 2019 Country Music Awards in April.

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“When I came out to my mom, she was so scared that I wouldn’t get this dream, that this wouldn’t happen for me,” Shane expressed upon accepting his trophy (via Billboard Pride). “This town has never for a minute made me feel anything but loved and accepted.”

“It’s beyond my wildest dreams because not only did I want to be in country music, didn’t know you could write songs for people, didn’t know that was a job, I really didn’t know you could be in country music and be gay,” Shane continued. “Most importantly, I do have to acknowledge my husband, and it’s so cool to get to say that on this stage. He is the one who dreamed this big for me. He tells me every day that I can do anything, and we are living our truth and our dream with our children and our life. Our closer-than-family friend who is going through something, I just want to dedicate this award to our sweet Chelsea and when you say those prayers tonight, mention her name. I love country music and I love this town, thank you very, very much.”