Carrie Underwood Steps Aside As CMA Awards Host

Carrie Underwood is stepping aside from hosting the CMA Awards, the country star announced on her Instagram account on Monday.

USAToday reports Underwood had hosted for the past 12 years, most often with Brad Paisley but this year she was paired with Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton as part of the show's celebration of female artists.

"One of the highlights of 2019 and of my entire career so far was being on stage with the legends that are Reba and Dolly Parton," Underwood wrote on Monday. "It's hard to imagine topping what we have accomplished together, so I've decided that it's time to pass the hosting torch (at least for now!)."

"I've got so many exciting things coming in the new year and beyond, and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for all of us."

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One of the highlights of 2019 and of my entire career so far was being on stage with the legends that are Reba and Dolly Parton. I’m so proud that we could celebrate the incredible female artists that are part of the legacy of country music, past, present and future, and I’m thankful for the huge audiences all over the world that tuned in to see it. It’s hard to believe that it was my 12th year hosting and I will always treasure every show, from the 11 that I was so lucky to do with my partner in crime and friend for life, Brad Paisley, to sharing the stage with two of my all-time heroes. I’m so incredibly grateful to everyone involved with the CMA Awards all these years. It’s hard to imagine topping what we have accomplished together, so I’ve decided that it’s time to pass the hosting torch (at least for now!) to others that will cherish it and honor it as much as I do. I’ve got so many exciting things coming in the new year and beyond, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for all of us. #blessed #MemorableMoments

A post shared by Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) on Dec 30, 2019 at 11:03am PST

The CMAs gave Underwood a proper sendoff on Twitter after her announcement.

"We love you, Carrie! You’ll always be family to us," the Country Music Association tweeted. "Thanks for 12 amazing years hosting the #CMAawards. We look forward to working with you in 2020 and beyond to help spread Country Music to fans around the world!"