Singer Anne Murray and Willie Nelson co-host the 17th annual CMA Awards show, which includes a special performances tribute to writer Kris Kristofferson. Other notable perfmances are the duet, "Islands in the Stream," by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. Latin singer Julio Iglesias also joins Willie Nelson for their duet, "To All the Girls I've Loved Before." Alabama continue to reign as the entertainer and vocal group of the year but also snag their first album of the year for The Closer You Get. Newcomer John Anderson takes home the Horizon Award and single of the year for his hit, "Swingin'." Lee Greenwood secures his first male vocalist award, while the pairing of Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard receive duo of the year. Janie Fricke wins her second female vocalist, and Chet Atkins continues to crown his mantle with another instrumentalist of the year trophy. Performer and radio broadcaster Little Jimmy Dickens is inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.