Martina McBride and Darius Rucker spoke on behalf of the country music community at the ACM Awards Sunday night, honoring the late member, Joey Feek, who died of cancer last month.
"Joey was more than a wonderful singer and an ACM-winning artist along with her husband Rory. She was a beloved mom, daughter, family member and friend," said McBride.
Rucker then asked the crowd to join in a round of applause to remember the artist, which resulted in a respectful standing ovation.
Her husband, Rory, skipped the awards show, staying home with their two-year-old Indiana. He posted a beautiful but solemn photo of her grave site at sunrise on Saturday.
Photo gallery: Who won what at the ACMs
Photo gallery: 51st Academy of Country Music Awards