Randy Travis Makes Emotional Appearance During 2016 CMA Awards Opening Medley

The opening performance of the 2016 CMA Awards ended on an emotional note, with an appearance by Randy Travis.

The performers who participated in the opening medley of past country music hits gathered to sing a cover of Travis' "Forever and Ever, Amen" as the country legend -- looking overcome by emotion himself -- stood in their midst, clutching a mic. He was then introduced as a new inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and sang a few lines of "Amazing Grace," as those in the crowd rose and gave him a standing ovation. Many had tears in their eyes as well.

Travis' performance was one of the night's most anticipated ones. Since his 2013 stroke, Travis has largely shied away from performing. In fact, save for two performances of "Amazing Grace" (at a February funeral and during his October Country Music Hall of Fame induction), he's instead focused on recuperating.

Thankfully, Travis' prognosis is improving: Last week, for example, he surprised Kane Brown as he was performing Travis' "Three Wooden Crosses," and the icon also appeared onstage with Kenny Chesney over the summer.

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