Johnny Cash and George Jones have both received posthumous CMA Awards.

Cash got the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, while Jones got the Joe Talbot Award.

John Carter Cash, Johnny's son, accepted the award for his late father, which is given to "an iconic artist who has attained the highest degree of recognition in country music."

Jones' award was accepted by his widow, Nancy.

The Talbot Award recognizes "outstanding leadership and contributions to the preservation and advancement of country music's values and tradition."

According to a CMA rep, honoring country's legends is a vital part of the organization's mission.

"The CMA Awards is a night when we recognize our brightest stars, songwriters, producers and directors.

But it is also an occasion for us to honor some of our industry's most revered icons, who have carried the torch and helped to advance country music around the world."