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Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman attend the 52nd Academy Of Country Music Awards at T-Mobile Arena on April 2, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada© Getty Images

Keith Urban's surprise career-defining moment leads to unbelievable reaction – see photos

The country star, and husband to Nicole Kidman, received a huge honor

Ahad Sanwari
Ahad Sanwari - New York
Senior WriterNew York
October 12, 2023
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Keith Urban received the honor of a lifetime on Wednesday, October 11 when he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters' Hall of Fame.

The 55-year-old country star was the final honoree of the night, and the tribute kicked off with a salute from Eric Church, who sang Keith's 2002 track "Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me?"

However, members of the crowd at the Nashville Songwriters Gala were treated to quite the surprise when legend Dolly Parton herself showed up to induct Keith into the Hall of Fame.

VIDEO: Keith Urban brings fans to tears with touching onstage tribute

The moment was met with awe from everyone, and Keith in particular showed his gratitude by getting down on his knees and bowing before Dolly. In both of their speeches, they also spoke of their mutual admiration for each other, made more apparent by their penchant for mixing country with rock.

Last week, Keith took to social media to reflect on the then-upcoming honor by showcasing some of his favorite songs in his lengthy discography.

He penned: "It's a massive honor to be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame next week and I wanted to shine a light on a collection of songs that I've written.
"

Keith Urban, Dolly Parton and Eric Church attend the 53rd Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Gala at Music City Center on October 11, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.© Getty Images
Keith was honored at the Nashville Songwriters' Hall of Fame ceremony

Speaking of the song "Shine" and its message of hope, he added: "I probably write these kinds of songs because not only do I need to hear them, but I need these kinds of people in my own life too."

MORE: Keith Urban shares major career update with personal message to fans

Fans shared their support and enthusiasm for the Australian-American star, with Reese Witherspoon commenting: "Congratulations KU! So deserved!"

Keith Urban and Dolly Parton attend the 53rd Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Gala at Music City Center on October 11, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.© Getty Images
Dolly surprised the crowd by showing up to induct Keith

One of his followers wrote: "Congratulations KU! This is an honor that is beyond well deserved! Your music always SHINES an inspirational light in my life!" and another added: "Love your music and your concerts always bring so much fun and joy to us," while a third gushed: "So many congratulations sent your way!!!! Thank you for designing the best electric guitars."

SEE: Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban are the picture-perfect couple at the US Open

The news was announced in early August. In an interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch after the announcement, Keith gushed: "It's truly surreal," saying he "just wouldn't have believed it" if someone had told him this would one day be happening.

Dolly Parton, Keith Urban and Eric Church attend the 53rd Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala at Music City Center on October 11, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.© Getty Images
The country star got down on his knees and started bowing before Dolly

"To be recognized as a writer is extraordinary, because I've always loved songwriting," he continued. "When I started really writing poetry in school, and I started writing songs just out of a desire to not be stuck, always singing somebody else's song, playing in cover bands, and realizing 'This is going nowhere for me. I want to write my own songs.'"

MORE: Keith Urban has fans in awe with latest insight into daily life

Keith was honored for his three-decade long career, beginning with his self-titled debut album in 1991, and his songwriting not only on his own hits, but also with others like P!nk, Carrie Underwood, Nelly Furtado, and Dolly herself.

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Other honorees included Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn, Casey Beathard, and David Lee Murphy.

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