Brooks & Dunn may be ending their partnership, but that isn't stopping them from adding more trophies to their huge collection. This week, the duo attended the TJ Martell Honors Gala in Nashville, where they were presented with the Tony Martell Lifetime Entertainment Achievement Award, honoring their 20 year career, 30 million albums sold and more than 80 industry awards. For Kix Brooks, this accolade has a very personal meaning.

"I don't look at this as a music award, especially the lifetime achievement," Kix tells Country Weekly. "I like to think my career's not over. I've still got some to go. It's very humbling to get a pat on the back from some people that I really admire a whole lot. Both of my parents died to cancer -- my mom when she was 31 years old from breast cancer. Now, most times that is easily healed. I hope with this research, that someday cancer will be like polio and small pox -- that we will see an end to it.

Also honored at the gala was pop icon Michael Bolton, who was the recipient of the Frances Williams Preston Lifetime Music Industry Award, acknowledging his 53 million albums sold, as well as his collaborations with several big stars of all genres, including Luciano Pavaraotti, B.B. King and Ray Charles.

The evening featured performances by Anita Baker, Danny Gokey and rock band Traffic's lead singer, Dave Mason. Also appearing on stage were Tim McGraw and Big Kenny, who both acted as presenters during the ceremony, as well as Craig Wiseman and Kid Rock who were on hand to support the foundation.

Brooks & Dunn will also be honored next month at a special ACM tribute, featuring performances by Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Jennifer Hudson, George Strait, Sugarland and severl others. The show will air on CBS on May 23.



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