4t TEARS, TRIUMPH, AND A COWBOY HUG THAT SHOOK THE NATION: Jason & Brittany Aldean Flanked Erika Kirk as She Claimed the Inaugural Charlie Kirk Legacy Award — A Soul-Crushing, Spirit-Lifting Patriot Awards Moment
Jason Aldean and wife Brittany Aldean took part in an emotional tribute at the 2025 Fox Nation Patriot Awards on Thursday night (Nov. 6), as they helped present the first-ever Charlie Kirk Legacy Award to Erika Kirk, widow of the late Turning Point USA founder.
The new award — which will now be a permanent part of the annual ceremony — honors individuals who champion the values Charlie Kirk built his life around: faith, family, and freedom of speech.
‘Charlie Always Said America Is Worth Fighting For’
Taking the stage in Brookville, New York, Erika delivered a moving speech reflecting on her husband’s legacy and what he stood for until his final day.
“Charlie would always tell myself and others that America is worth fighting for — and it is, always will be,” she said, receiving a standing ovation.
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Charlie was fatally shot on Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. He was 31 years old and left behind Erika and their two young children.
Since his death, Erika has stepped in as CEO and Chair of the Board of Turning Point USA — the conservative student movement Charlie founded at just 18.
A Message About Legacy — and Speaking Up
Flanked by Jason, Brittany, and Fox News host Jesse Watters, Erika turned her focus to the crowd with a challenge.
“This award is about legacy… my legacy, our children’s legacy, my husband’s legacy — but it’s also about your legacy,” she said. “Will you be proud of that when you get to heaven and stand before the Lord? Just think on that and pray on that.”
Erika Kirk receives standing ovation while accepting first Charlie Kirk Legacy Award
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Erika continued: “Charlie understood something so deeply: Evil wins when good people stay silent. So for the rest of my life, I will make sure I don’t stay silent. I will keep speaking the truth — no matter the cost.”
The moment was one of several powerful tributes throughout the night, which also included awards for Young Patriot, Heroism, Salute to Service, and the T2T Stephen Siller Award.
Erika has since vowed to carry Charlie’s mission forward — urging others to use their voices and stand firm in their values.
One of his favorite sayings, Erika noted: “It’s not how I’m saying it that’s upsetting people. It’s the fact that I’m saying the truth.”
14 Powerful Photos From Charlie Kirk’s Memorial Service
An estimated 90,000 people attended Sunday’s (Sept. 21) memorial for political activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
Among the notable speakers were President Trump, Vice President Vance, Kirk’s widow Erika, Marco Rubio and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Win McNamee, Getty Images
Charlie Kirk’s Widow, Erika Kirk
Win McNamee, Getty Images
Erika Kirk
Win McNamee, Getty Images
President Donald Trump + Erika Kirk
Win McNamee, Getty Images
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Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Picture of Charlie Kirk with Wife Erika
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Color Guard On Stage During the Memorial
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Two Women Mourning Charlie Kirk
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Erika Kirk Speaks to the State Farm Stadium Crowd
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
A Man Carries a Cross
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds, Getty Images
A Charlie Kirk Supporter at His Memorial
A person wears a hat reading “I am Charlie Kirk” as people arrive to attend the public memorial service of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk outside State Farm stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on September 21, 2025. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
Eric Thayer, Getty Images
Charlie Kirk Memorial Attendees Holding Signs for Turning Point USA
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
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Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Two People Pray for Charlie Kirk
Eric Thayer, Getty Images
A Woman Reacts To a Speech During a Memorial for Charlie Kirk
