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Trace Adkins' Family Honored for Resilience Following House Fire

Getty Images for CMT

Trace Adkins, his wife Rhonda, and three of their children suffered a devastating loss when their home burned to the ground in June. Now the family, who all managed to escape uninjured, will be honored for their heroism and resilience in the face of adversity.

The Adkins' will receive the T.J. Martell Family Achievement Award at a special ceremony on Saturday (Oct. 29), as part of the T.J. Martell Family Day.

"I've done a lot with T.J. Martell over the years and I'm honored they are giving us this award," Trace tells Nashville's Tennessean newspaper.

The family, who are currently residing at their farm outside Nashville, watched as the charred remains of their former home were demolished earlier this week. "It didn't seem to bother my six-year-old and my 13-year-old," the 'Just Fishin' singer states. "They're like me. My 10-year-old and Rhonda teared up. They use this big bulldozer and it's like a big dinosaur eating your house."

The Louisiana native lost several irreplaceable items in the fire, including a guitar given to him by Buck Owens and a signed baseball cap from golf legend Arnold Palmer. Still, he says he counts himself very fortunate.

"I put it in perspective," Trace tells The Boot. "First of all that everybody was OK, but secondly, I looked at some of the misfortunes that have come my way in this life, I don't even think of my house burning down being the top 10. You have to put things into perspective."

Joining Trace and his family in being honored tomorrow will be Nashville Predators coach Barry Trotz and his family, who will receive the T.J. Martell Family Spirit Award.

The ceremony, which will be held at Belmont University's Curb Event Center, will include a performance by 'American Idol' runner-up Lauren Alaina, as well as an appearance by the Titans cheerleaders and former Titans kicker Craig Hentrich.

Tickets are available and can be purchased here.



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Ann

I'm not surprised by the "but, what about me?" comments here. This is what America has turned into. People who can't stand to see anyone else have anything, or be honored for something. Why can't we just be happy for people anymore when they receive something, instead of saying "but what about me? look what I did and no one honored me - bah, bah, bah."

October 30 2011 at 9:38 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
snowytigga68

Really? A million dollar, award winning, country music star is being given an award for heroism in the face of adversity? What adversity? Having to go live in one of his other homes??

While the loss of their house is tragic, everyone is unharmed and I am quite certain that are thousands of other people more qualified and deserving to receive an award such as this other than Trace Adkins - especially given his relationship with TJ Martell Foundation - and having worked with them in the past.

Disgusting.

October 29 2011 at 9:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Laura Gail

Seriously? Soldiers, firefighters, police officers and teachers are heroes. Single parents working two jobs and still managing to parent their children are heroes. Most people that lose a home - do not have a farm to go to and lose everything. I'm sorry Mr Adkins lost his mementoes, but does this make him a hero? Really?

October 29 2011 at 9:15 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
roadsurfer9

What a big bunch of BS this is!!! How many people in this country escape a fire and lose their house and belongings in the process? Hundreds? Thousands? Where's the awards for those people? Just because he's a celebrity doesn't make him better than the rest. This country is pathetic in their WORSHIP of celebrities!!!! What a crock!

October 29 2011 at 8:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Spamhater3

Obviously, not many of you who commented have any idea what a hero is.

House burns down and family moves on, how many times does that happen in this country in a year.

Why is it when a famous person has a tragedy and they over come they are hero's, but when and average

person does it it is called living. and moving on.

If I was them I would be embarrassed to take the award.

October 29 2011 at 7:47 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Christopher

I admire you for your talent, and your music Trace, but even more I admire you for your strong can-do attitude. You are the man Bro, hang in there, and just continue to take everything in stride. You are a rock for your family to lean on in these times of trouble, You are the man.

October 29 2011 at 7:15 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
karbear

Trace and his family are receiving the award because when fans and people wanted to send him money, after the fire, he asked fans to please send it to the flood, earthquake, etc. victims. He said "we have insurance for this. Please send to people who need it." Heroism? Probably not. But someone who thinks of others? Yes!!

October 29 2011 at 6:52 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to karbear's comment
Christopher

You mean HELL YES!!

October 29 2011 at 7:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mc

If there is such an award, Trace and his family deserve it. After the fire, he always took the high road, being humble and never putting on the 'poor pitiful me' act. I think that's an inspiration for resilience. I'm sure they will accept it in behalf of those less fortunate. Trace does have more to fall back on. He's never disputed that. I think he will accept this award with humility, gratitude for his blessings, and dignity.

October 29 2011 at 6:49 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Nancy

I don't get why celebrities win awards for their homes burning down. From what I remember, he wasn't even home when it burned, and his kids got out without being in real danger to begin with, as they got out as soon as they knew about the fire.

My family has been through a few house fires, and only had renter's insurance for one of them. My sister, as an adult, had to jump from a second-floor window because someone set her apartment building on fire. She broke both feet, and a man on the ground tried to catch her. He didn't get an award. My grandparents' house burned to the ground, and no one gave them anything.

This is pitiful.

October 29 2011 at 6:29 PM Report abuse +4 rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to Nancy's comment
Christopher

Oh, we're sorry. Your award is in the mail...

October 29 2011 at 7:18 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Christopher's comment
gloria4953

Not nice!

October 29 2011 at 8:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down
oberlinkay91

He got it because he turned down fans' offers of money. He told them to send it to people who need and he has insurance to cover it. Not all people, even regular people, are that considerate to give it to others who need it more.

October 29 2011 at 8:13 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
idontcare761

Seriously , think how bad this makes you and your family look Trace , when the average family goes through the same thing , coming out with nothing left , no money , no home and no where to go. They don't get an award for escaping the fire and not crying about it. At least your family has assets that allow you to go on just as comfortable as before.

October 29 2011 at 6:02 PM Report abuse +4 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to idontcare761's comment
oberlinkay91

He got because he turned down fans' offers of money and told them to give it to others who needed it. Not many people, even regular people, are that kind.

October 29 2011 at 8:15 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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