The six-time GRAMMY-winner, who turned 80 in January, isn’t retiring, but he’s cutting back on touring.

So, Ronnie Milsap’s final show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena became an all-star tribute concert. Dozens of country artists turned out to honor him by performing one of the Country Music Hall of Famer’s big hits. And with 40 No. 1’s spanning over five decades, they had plenty to choose from.

As they sang his songs, Milsap watched from backstage.

Kelly Clarkson kicked things off with one he says is his all-time favorite: “It Was Almost Like a Song.”

Hunter Hayes followed with “He’s Got You.” Then, it was one spectacular performance after another with Ricky Skaggs, Sara Evans, the Gatlin Brothers, Mark Wills, Tracy Lawrence, and Ray Stevens all singing Milsap’s songs.

And as they sang familiar hits like “Let’s Take the Long Way Around the World,” “Back on My Mind Again,” and “Daydreams About Night Things,” fans throughout the arena sang along.

The list of performers had been made available ahead of time, suddenly there was word of a surprise guest. The crowd went crazy as Keith Urban took the stage. Urban said he played Ronnie Milsap songs back in his cover band days and when he found out about the tribute show, he wanted to take part. In noting this was supposed to be Milsap’s final Nashville show, Urban smiled and pointed out, “You can’t have the reunion tour until you have the farewell tour.” The crowd burst into applause.

Urban noted the Milsap song he chose to perform “was a little bit obscure.” It was one Milsap wrote years ago as part of a tribute album to Jim Reeves, but Urban always loved it. It’s called, “Out Where the Bright Lights Are Glowing.”

In addition to live performances there were taped video messages from Luke Bryan, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and Clint Black. All referenced Milsap’s influence on their music and careers with Dolly adding, “I will always love you,” and Black saying, “I’m sure somebody’s already said it, but it bears repeating, ‘What a difference you’ve made in our lives.’”

Artists performed Milsap’s songs for two-and-a-half hours. They included “Stand By Me,” “Pure Love,” “Any Day Now,” “(I’d Be) A Legend in My Time,” “What a Difference You Made in My Life,” and more, from the McCrary Sisters, Breeland, Lorrie Morgan, Scotty McCreery, Gordon Mote, Steven Curtis Chapman, and others.

Additional artists included Phil Vassar, Randy Houser, Los Lonely Boys, Terri Clark, and Trace Adkins.

Adkins pointed out that one of the things that made Milsap unique was the diversity of his music. Throughout his career Milsap had a number of country hits crossover onto the pop charts. Adkins said you never knew quite what to expect from a Ronnie Milsap record.

‘He did whatever he wanted to do. He didn’t let anybody tell him what kind of music he ought to be doing. I love him for it. He’s been a friend of mine for a long time.”

Adkins then sang, “She Keeps the Home Fires Burning.”

As they paid tribute to Milsap, they also honored his late wife, Joyce, by showing a video highlighting photos of their life together. They were married 54 years when she passed away in September of 2021.

And then, Milsap was escorted to the stage. He thanked those who’d helped him through the years, his band, the many artists, the stage band (Sixwire), and everyone who attended the show.

He played and sang “Stranger in My House,” “There’s No Gettin’ Over Me,” “Smoky Mountain Rain,” and “America the Beautiful.”

Then, as the night came to a close, he launched into “Honky Tonk Women,” and the artists who performed throughout the evening joined him on stage for a finale all-star jam.

An amazing evening celebrating one man and so much music.