Megan Moroney called history-making songwriter Jessie Jo Dillon with an unforgettable surprise.

Moroney revealed that Dillon earned the ACM Songwriter of the Year award, making her the first songwriter to win the category three times and the first to win it in three consecutive years, according to a press release from the Academy of Country Music. Moroney told Dillon, “we have to celebrate because for the third year in a row, you’re the ACM Songwriter of the Year. I’m so proud of you and I love you.”

Dillon, who was nominated for co-writing Moroney’s “Am I Okay?,” emotionally replied, “you’re the best. …I love you.” The award-winning songwriter added, per the Academy, “I’m beside myself to have won this coveted award once, let alone three times. I’m honored to be recognized by this community that I love so dearly. Thank you all, especially my publishers, and long live country music.” Dillon also co-wrote several tracks on Moroney’s latest studio record, Cloud 9, including the title track, “Medicine,” “Beautiful Things,” “Sorry… I Meant Tonight,” and more.

Women lead the list of nominees at the 61st ACM Awards, including Moroney (the most-nominated artist with nine nods), Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson. Performers include Blake Shelton, Carter Faith, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kane Brown, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett, Zach Top, Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, Riley Green, Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town and Miranda Lambert, plus New Female and New Male Vocalist of the Year winners Avery Anna and Tucker Wetmore. Shania Twain will make her debut as host.

The 61st ACM Awards will kick off at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT on Sunday, May 17.

Bob Pickett