Lainey Wilson and Vince Gill Bring ‘Go Rest High on That Mountain’ to the Emmys in Moving In Memoriam Tribute
Lainey Wilson and Vince Gill turned one of country music’s most enduring songs into a deeply moving tribute at the 77th Emmy Awards on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
The pair performed Gill’s “Go Rest High on That Mountain” during the ceremony’s In Memoriam segment, with images of television and entertainment figures who died over the previous year appearing on screens behind them. The performance gave the song an especially poignant setting as the Emmys paused to remember those who had passed away.
Lainey Wilson and Vince Gill Honor Those Remembered at the Emmys
Dressed in black, Wilson and Gill stood together onstage and delivered the emotional ballad with a restrained, heartfelt performance.
Among the people featured during the In Memoriam tribute were Julian McMahon, Valerie Mahaffey, Teri Garr, Gary Smith, Allan Blye, Terry Louise Fisher, David Duclon, Jonathan Kaplan, Ozzy Osbourne, Anne Burrell and Quincy Jones, among others.
The two singers remained composed throughout the performance, allowing the emotion of the song and the accompanying tribute images to carry the moment.
When the performance came to an end, Wilson and Gill held hands and bowed together as the audience responded with an enthusiastic reception.
The Television Academy confirmed that the country stars were part of the Emmy ceremony’s In Memoriam presentation.
The Story Behind Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High on That Mountain”
The song carried an added significance for Gill, who originally began writing “Go Rest High on That Mountain” after the death of country singer Keith Whitley. He ultimately completed the song following the 1993 death of his brother, Bob.
Released on August 28, 1995, the song has since become one of Gill’s most recognized and enduring recordings. Background vocals on the original recording came from Ricky Skaggs and Patty Loveless.
Three decades after its release, “Go Rest High on That Mountain” remains closely associated with remembrance and loss, making it a natural choice for the Emmys’ annual tribute to members of the television community who had died.
Gill Praised Wilson Before Their Emmy Performance
Before taking the Emmy stage, Gill spoke with Entertainment Tonight about performing alongside Wilson and said he had enjoyed getting to know the younger country star.
Gill also praised Wilson’s vocal ability and expressed his appreciation for the chance to use the song to honor people he had never personally known but whose lives and work could still be connected to its message.
The pairing was reportedly suggested by the producers of the Emmy Awards. Gill said he was immediately receptive to the idea and was pleased to have the opportunity to perform with Wilson.
For Wilson, the performance brought her powerful country vocals to one of television’s biggest annual awards shows, while Gill returned to a song that has remained an important part of his career for 30 years.
‘Go Rest High on That Mountain’ Celebrates 30 Years
The Emmy performance arrived at an important milestone for the song. “Go Rest High on That Mountain” marked its 30th anniversary in August 2025, and Gill celebrated by releasing a newly extended version featuring an additional verse.
The updated recording uses the original tracks, with Gill adding his vocals for the new section. The additional verse had previously been performed by Gill live, including during a 2019 Christmas at the Ryman performance with his wife, Amy Grant. The extended version was officially released on September 12, 2025.
The song also reached a new certification milestone in connection with its anniversary. The RIAA-certified single is now double platinum.
Its list of honors reflects the song’s lasting impact. In 1996, Gill won two Grammy Awards for “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” taking home Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song. The song also received the CMA Award for Song of the Year and, in 1997, BMI’s Most Performed Song honor.
Thirty years after its original release, Gill’s song found a new setting at the Emmys, where its themes of grief, faith and remembrance accompanied a tribute to members of the entertainment community.
Reba McEntire Also Represented Country Music at the Emmys
Wilson and Gill were not the only country performers featured during the 77th Emmy Awards.
Reba McEntire joined Little Big Town members Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman for a celebration of the 40th anniversary of The Golden Girls. The trio performed the beloved sitcom’s iconic theme song, “Thank You for Being a Friend,” as part of the ceremony’s tribute to the series.
For Gill and Wilson, however, the evening centered on a quieter moment. Their performance of “Go Rest High on That Mountain” gave the 77th Emmy Awards a solemn musical tribute and brought one of Gill’s most meaningful songs to a new generation of viewers.