Annie Zaleski

Recipients are being "recognized for their achievements and influence in music, and for their enduring contributions to American and international culture."

Parton also gave the commencement address at UT Knoxville that year.

Silverstein was known for his whimsical and twisted children's poetry, but he also was a prolific songwriter, especially for country artists.

On Aug. 1, 1998, Brooks reached No. 1 on the country charts with a cover of the Bob Dylan-written "To Make You Feel My Love."

On Jan. 4, 1969, Parton was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

As we hit the midpoint of 2018, The Boot is looking back at some of the best new music and biggest headlines of the year so far.

The '80s were a transitional decade for country music: a time when artists could try out different styles and approaches -- and, by extension, adopt new traditions that would come to reverberate in the '90s and beyond.

For country music, the 2017 Grammy Awards was a night (and day) full of unexpected performances and awards.