How Luke Bryan Was Honored at the CMT Artists of the Year Awards

— -- Luke Bryan was unable to attend the CMT Artists of the Year awards show, but his friends made sure he was honored in absentia.

The singer was set to be recognized for his big year, but instead, Bryan stayed home to grieve the loss of his brother-in-law, who died this past Saturday.

"Our good buddy had another amazing year professionally and was looking so forward to being here with all of you to accept this honor, but family comes first," Lady Antebellum's Charles Kelley told the crowd. "Sadly, Luke's family faced a tragic loss this weekend with the death of his brother-in-law Lee, so tonight we wanted to perform a song that's very special to Luke."

Bryan's brother-in-law was the widower of his late sister, Kelly, who died in 2007 at the age of 39. They have three teenage children. To honor the country singer, Lady Antebellum and singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton performed the song, "Drink a Beer," which Bryan co-wrote with Stapleton to pay tribute to Kelly and his older brother Chris, who died in a car accident.

"Tonight if you're watching back home, this one's for you, Luke, and your family," Kelley concluded. "We love you so much and our thoughts are with you."