The ACM recently announced the addition of seven new Artist of the Decade Awards, and now another winner has been revealed, with the ACM naming Chris Stapleton their first-ever Artist-Songwriter of the Decade.

Chris, who has before this had won nine ACM Awards, received his honor during a surprise presentation at the Berry Hill Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. The Artist-Songwriter of the Decade Award “recognizes a songwriter whose creative works and performance have impacted country music over the decade.”

“Had Chris Stapleton not been an artist, his impact on country music as a songwriter would be indelible,” Kelly Rich, ACM Special Awards Committee Co-Chair, shares. “Had he not been a songwriter for himself and others, his influence as a recording artist, performer and vocalist would have been just as undeniable. In combination, however, Chris epitomizes the spirit and intent of this award.”