The Library of Congress honored Garth Brooks with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song during a tribute concert on March 4 in Washington, D.C.

Bestowed in recognition of the legendary songwriting team of George and Ira Gershwin, the Gershwin Prize recognizes a living musical artist’s lifetime achievement in promoting the genre of song as a vehicle of entertainment, information, inspiration and cultural understanding. Past recipients include Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and the late Hal David, Carole King, Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett and Emilio and Gloria Estefan.

During his acceptance speech at the ceremony, Garth took a moment to recognize the victims of the tornadoes that swept through Tennessee during the early hours of March 3, killing 25 people and destroying hundreds of structures.

“In honor of our sweet, sweet Volunteers from the great state of Tennessee,” said Garth, “I’m going to request, humbly, a moment of silence for those who have fallen and those who are still missing.”

Garth, who is 58 years old, is the youngest recipient of the award. He is also the second country artist to receive the award, following Willie Nelson (2015). The concert will air on PBS stations nationwide in spring 2020.