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On This Day: Garth Brooks Named Artist of the Decade at AMA’s in 2000

One of the most beloved entertainers of all time, Garth Brooks has a long list of accolades.

Now 58-years-old, Brooks shows no signs of slowing down any time in the near future. The “Thunder Rolls” and “If Tomorrow Never Comes” singer put out new music just last year with his latest album “Fun.”

The album has 15 tracks and includes collaborations with his wife, Trisha Yearwood, and fellow country star Blake Shelton. Late country artist Charley Pride is also features on the album in “Where the Cross Don’t Burn.”

Brooks is one of the most celebrated music artists to step on the lighted stage in any musical genre. He has received high level recognition from practically every country music faction, including two Grammy Award wins. Brooks has been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards and also has awards from the Academy of Country Music and Billboard Music. He is one of the top selling artists of all time and is in the Country Music Hall-of-Fame and Songwriters Hall-of-Fame.

A big moment is Brooks’ career came in 2000 when American Music Awards tabbed him as its “Artist of the Decade.”

Garth Brooks Thanks Family for Their Support

Upon accepting the award, Brooks gave a heart-felt speech in which he dedicates the award to his mother and father. Clutching his trophy tightly, he says he wouldn’t be in this position without their support.

“I’d like to dedicate this award to my mom and to my dad. I love you guys very much,” Brooks says. “Dad’s out in the audience tonight. Mom’s up in Heaven.”

As Brooks speaks of the importance of his family in his career, the cameras zoom in on his father, who is clutching a photo of he and his late wife. Brooks also thanks his then-wife, Sandy Mahl, for her enduring support of his career.

“And I want to say, to my wife Sandy: It’s no mystery that our future, we don’t know what’s going to happen,” he says, “but you can’t deny that the last decade is because of God and you. Thank you.”

It wouldn’t be Brooks’ only big win of the night. He also took Favorite Male Country Artist and Favorite Country Album, for his hot album “Sevens.”

At the time of his award acceptance, Brooks has sold 95 million albums, making him the top-selling music American recording artist.

H/T: The Boot