Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles had a good reason for skipping the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards.
Although she was set to present the award for duo of the year alongside her longtime partner Kristian Bush, the artist was noticeably absent when the cameras panned to Bush, 55, who delivered his speech solo from the award stage.
“Well, I was supposed to be presenting this ACM Award for duo of the year with my amazing partner Jennifer Nettles, Sadly, she got sick this morning, proving that when it comes to duos, it really does take two,” he said in a clip that was shared to the ACM’s X account.
Jason Kempin/Getty
Kristian Bush attends the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards on May 8, 2025 in Frisco, Texas
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Bush concluded his short but sweet speech by adding, “Jennifer, I love you, we love you, feel better soon.”
No further clarification has been provided on what exactly Nettles’ illness is as of the time of publication.
Prior to the night’s events, Sugarland teased a performance and their presenter duties on Instagram, writing that they were planning on “going all out” for one of country music’s biggest nights with a spectacle that fans “won’t want to miss.”
Check out all of PEOPLE’s full ACM Awards coverage here.
🤠 Legend in the house! @kristianbush from @Sugarlandmusic is here to hand off the #ACMawards for Duo of the Year! pic.twitter.com/R2jZsJzAks
— ACM Awards (@ACMawards) May 9, 2025
Though Nettles was absent, Bush still delivered on his presenting duties, awarding Brooks & Dunn the title of duo of the year, with other nominees including Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, Muscadine Bloodline and The War and Treaty.
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The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, are streaming live on Prime Video from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
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