Cody Johnson is so inspired by Luke Combs, he dedicated his first-ever ACM Entertainer of the Year Award to the singer’s perseverance and dedication to country music.
Specifically, he spoke about the day they were on tour together in Australia when Combs missed the birth of his second son, Beau. Beau was born two-and-a-half weeks early, and Combs was hoping he’d be home from tour in time to be there in person. But that didn’t work out: And even though Combs was able to virtually be there for the birth, he was devastated not to be in the room during the delivery.
Read More: Luke Combs Breaks Down Talking About Missing His Son’s Birth
Later on, speaking to the Zane Lowe Show, Combs called it “one of the best and one of the worst days in my life at the same time.”
What Did Cody Johnson Tell Luke Combs After Combs Missed the Birth of His Son?
After the ACMs, Johnson shared his side of the moment with Billboard Country.
“He was in the bathroom of an arena just so defeated, sobbing,” he remembers.
“I walked in, I’m like, ‘What’s going on? Who died?’ [He said], ‘My son was born tonight,'” Johnson says, recounting their exchange.
Johnson, who’s a father himself, had a unique perspective on the devastation Combs was feeling as a country superstar torn between his children and his busy touring schedule.
“I literally said, ‘You’re doing something now that is going to create a legacy for your family for a very, very long time. I’m sorry you weren’t there,'” he relates.
“There’s nothing you can do about it. You shouldn’t feel bad about it,” Johnson told Combs. “I’m sorry it happened this way, but you know, I’m proud of you. I look up to you.”
The next night, Johnson says, he “watched [Combs] walk out onstage, absolutely kill the show.”
“It was a moment where I had a new-gained respect for Luke,” the singer says.
Cody Johnson Wins Entertainer of the Year at the 2026 ACM Awards
It was an emotional moment for Johnson on Sunday night (May 17), as he won his first-ever ACM Entertainer trophy.
Read More: Here’s Why Cody Johnson Won Entertainer of the Year at the 2026 ACMs
During his speech, he directly addressed the difficult balance between superstardom and family life. “I just want you all to know that when I go home, I take my phone and turn it face down. When I go home, I’m a husband, I’m a father, I’m a cattle rancher,” he told the crowd.
2026 ACM Awards Show Pics: The Best Performances and Speeches!
Lainey Wilson opened the 2026 ACM Awards and Blake Shelton will close it. Here are the best show pics from the Amazon Prime broadcast from Las Vegas on Sunday night (May 17).
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
