Introduction
Trisha Yearwood’s stirring anthem, “I’ll Carry You Home,” originally appeared on her 2019 album Every Girl, where it emerged as a deep‑cut favorite thanks to its soul‑infused gospel feel and heartfelt lyrics about unwavering support in tough times . The song’s lyrics convey a message of profound commitment: “standing by someone in their hardest times… even when life gets heavy, someone will be there to carry you through it” .
In late 2023, the song took on legendary status on the revered stage of Austin City Limits (ACL). During the taping of the show’s ninth annual Hall of Fame Honors—where Trisha herself was being inducted—she delivered a powerful duet of “I’ll Carry You Home” with Ronnie Dunn. Dunn, acclaimed for his vocal prowess, had personally requested to join Yearwood, championing the song as an “overlooked gem” .
The episode aired in March 2024 as part of the Season 49 finale on PBS, hosted by an all‑star lineup including Don Henley, Brothers Osborne, Brandy Clark, and Jo Dee Messina . Don Henley himself had inducted Yearwood, and Roc-keting the event, the duet became one of the night’s emotional highlights. Yearwood introduced Dunn with glowing praise: “You know, you’re the best singer in here,” capturing the mutual respect between the artists .
Accompanied by the ACL All‑Stars under musical director Lloyd Maines, the performance offered fans a transcendent, gospel‑tinged rendition of the song—a breathtaking moment praised by critics and viewers alike . The performance not only celebrated Yearwood’s storied career but also showcased the enduring power of collaborative artistry on one of country music’s most revered stages.
Video
Ronnie Dunn and Trisha Yearwood perform “I’ll Carry You Home” to celebrate Yearwood’s induction into the ACL Hall of Fame. “ACL 9th Annual Hall of Honors Trisha Yearwood” premieres March 2, 2024 on PBS. Watch on your local PBS station or stream it after it airs on the PBS App or at pbs.org/austincitylimits
The ninth annual Austin City Limits Hall of Fame honors country music superstar Trisha Yearwood. Don Henley handles induction honors and performs along with musical salutes from Jo Dee Messina, Ronnie Dunn, Brothers Osborne and Brandy Clark.
About Austin City Limits
Austin City Limits (ACL) offers viewers unparalleled access to featured acts in an intimate setting that provides a platform for artists to deliver inspired, memorable, full-length performances. Now in its 49th Season, the program is taped live before a concert audience from The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. Austin City Limits is the longest-running music series in television history and remains the only TV series to ever be awarded the National Medal of Arts. Since its inception, the groundbreaking music series has become an institution that’s helped secure Austin’s reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World. The historic KLRU Studio 6A, home to 36 years of ACL concerts, has been designated an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark. In 2011, ACL moved to the new venue ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. ACL received a rare institutional Peabody Award for excellence and outstanding achievement in 2012.
Austin City Limits is produced by Austin PBS, KLRU-TV and funding is provided in part by Dell Technologies, the Austin Convention Center Department, Cirrus Logic and AXS Ticketing. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of Austin City Limits.