Trace Adkins, Mel Tillis and other stars joined more than 400 industry and media members in the celebration, held at the Vanderbilt Student Life Center. The party featured decorative ice sculptures depicting each one of Alan’s album covers and kicked off with a video collage of Alan’s life and career.

The party menu consisted mainly of Southern favorites like bologna sandwiches and hamburgers. “I have a lot of great memories of lots of people who have been a part of all this,” Alan told the crowd. Alan also thanked his wife Denise and their three daughters, Mattie, Ali and Dani, for their support. “I’m just so blessed, that’s the way I feel,” said Alan. “I’m overwhelmed by the longevity of it all.”