Loretta Lynn, Luke Bryan, Eric Church receive ACM Honors

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Country star Luke Bryan may have one of the most popular albums in the country, but Loretta Lynn made his day when she gave him a kiss. Bryan, Lynn, Eric Church and the band Alabama were honored by their peers in country music with special achievement awards from the Academy of Country Music during a special event Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee. The stars were celebrated with performances by Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves at the 9th annual ACM Honors event at the Ryman Auditorium. Lynn received the Crystal Milestone Award for her 50-year country music career, and Bryan, who received the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award, is coming off a two-week ride atop the Billboard 200 chart with his new album, "Kill the Lights."

"I got a kiss from Loretta, so I am still pretty excited about that," Bryan said after getting a smooch from the coal miner's daughter while on the red carpet prior to the event.