Chris Stapleton Apologizes After Forgetting to Thank Wife in CMAs Speech

Chris Stapleton accidentally forgot to thank his wife, Morgane Stapleton, when taking home a win at the 2024 CMA Awards — but luckily he got another chance to make things right.

“I owe my wife an apology. That last award belonged to her too and she didn’t come up. It all happened so quick,” Chris, 46, said, after winning Song of the Year for “White Horse” during the Wednesday, November 20, ceremony.

While noting that Morgane was backstage, Chris gushed about his wife always being in his corner. “I love you honey,” he said. “All of my music I really owe a lot to her, so I want to say thank you to her for always supporting me.”

Minutes earlier, Chris won the Single of the Year Award for the same track. “Well, amazing,” he said. “So many great and very very popular songs in this category. I’m very humbled to win this award.”

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Chris quickly handed the award over to his collaborator, who mentioned Morgane. “I just want to thank Morgane Stapleton, she’s always been a secret weapon making these records,” he said. “She needs to be up here with us.”

Ahead of the event at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, Chris and Morgane looked loved up as they walked the red carpet together. Chris rocked a black suit with a beige cowboy hat featuring a turquoise accent while Morgane stunned in a black mini-dress with a train and matching black heels.

Morgane Stapleton and Chris Stapleton

Four years after meeting as songwriters in Nashville, the pair exchanged vows in October 2007. The couple have since welcomed five kids: son Waylon in 2009; daughter Ada in 2010; twins Macon and Samuel in 2018, and their fifth child in 2019.

Chris and Morgane have continued to gush over each other through the years. While celebrating their 14th wedding anniversary in 2021, Morgane reflected on their connection.

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“I don’t remember much about life before you. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for hearing me. Thank you for teaching me. Thank you for respecting me,” she wrote via Instagram at the time. “Thank you for giving me everything I cherish in this life. I love you more than I’ll ever be able to put into words, but I’ll spend the rest of my time here on earth trying.”

After Chris’ Higher record won the ACM Award for Album of the Year in May, the couple celebrated on stage.

“What an honor, thank you. Thank you to my producers over here, my lovely wife, Morgane. Come on baby,” Chris said, while Morgane added, “I am so proud every day to get to work with the love of my life. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Thank y’all.”