Vince Gill, Lainey Wilson Perform Emotional In Memoriam at 2025 Emmys

At the 77th Annual Emmy Awards, country stars Lainey Wilson and Vince Gill performed Gill's poignant ballad "Go Rest High on That Mountain" during the In Memoriam segment, honoring those from the entertainment industry who passed away over the past year. The song, written by Gill after the death of his brother and fellow country singer Keith Whitley, has long been a staple at memorials and was presented in a new extended version celebrating its 30th anniversary. The tribute included remembrance of actors, musicians, and behind-the-scenes creatives, with images of notable figures like Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Maggie Smith shown during the performance. Fans and viewers expressed strong emotional reactions online, praising the heartfelt rendition while some speculated whether the performance might also serve as a tribute to Charlie Kirk, a conservative political figure who was recently killed, though Wilson and Gill have not confirmed this dedication. The Emmy ceremony also featured other performances, including Reba McEntire singing to mark the 40th anniversary of The Golden Girls. Hosted by Nate Bargatze, the event blended celebration with solemn reflection on the industry's losses.