Country music legends Vince Gill and Lainey Wilson delivered a deeply moving performance of Gill's classic hit, "Go Rest High on That Mountain," during the "In Memoriam" segment of the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards. The duet honored the lives and legacies of television industry talents who passed away in the last year, creating a poignant moment amidst the glitz and glamour of the awards show.
A Touching Tribute
Gill and Wilson's performance, featuring their harmonies and shared verses, brought a sense of reverence to the evening. The screen behind them displayed images of beloved figures like John Amos, Loni Anderson, Ozzy Osbourne, Maggie Smith and more, adding to the emotional impact of the tribute.
The song, originally released in 1995, has become a staple at funerals and memorial services, earning two Grammy Awards for Gill. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the song's release, and Gill has commemorated the occasion with a special extended version featuring a new verse.
A New Verse, A Deeper Meaning
The updated version of "Go Rest High on That Mountain" includes a third verse that was not on the original recording. Gill shared that he always felt the song was slightly incomplete. The new verse, which he debuted live in 2019, offers a message of hope and eternal life: "You’re safely home in the arms of Jesus / Eternal life my brother’s found / The day will come I know I’ll see him / In that sacred place, on that holy ground."
Gill wrote the song after the passing of Keith Whitley in 1989 and later after the death of his brother, Bob, in 1993. He felt he needed to add to the song after all these years. The new verse adds another emotional layer to the already powerful song, giving comfort to those who are grieving.
The performance at the Emmys, and the release of the extended version of the song, reinforces the song's enduring message of hope and remembrance.