“I'm Honored”: Kenny Chesney to Receive Ocean Conservancy Award at Tortuga Music Festival 2026

Kenny Chesney is being honoured for his ocean conservation efforts with a special award, with the Knoxville native set to receive the accolade at Tortuga Music Festival 2026.

Chesney is headlining alongside Post Malone and Riley Green, with his April appearance at the much-loved festival his only 2026 show outside his Sphere Las Vegas residency.

The ’No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems’ hitmaker has a longstanding affinity with the festival, with Chesney's music epitomising the spirit behind the country extravaganza.

Tortuga was founded by Chris Stacey as a means of raising awareness and funds for ocean conservation through his Rock the Ocean organisation. Since its inception in 2013, Tortuga and Rock the Ocean have raised more than $6 million for the cause, and in doing so, have supported over 100 non-profits and university programs.

In an official statement, Chesney explains how delighted he is to be receiving the Ocean Conservancy Award, “To me, when people can come together to learn about the ocean, how to treat it and have a great time with their friends, that’s a total win”.

The 2025 Country Music Hall Of Fame inductee goes on, “Even though we’re not touring this year, I do love playing on that beach, seeing all those boats in the water and fans having the best time on that beach. To be given an award for doing what I love somewhere that brings every bit of it together almost feels wrong, but I’m honored if I could be part of bringing how we treat the ocean into focus”.

Stacey pays homage to Chesney's impact on how people perceive the ocean, and his support for Tortuga, “Kenny’s lifestyle and music celebrate everything people love about the ocean - the adventure, the energy, the deep connection we feel when we’re near the water. We’ve had a longstanding relationship with Kenny, who headlined the first Tortuga Festival in 2013, and returned more than any artist. We’re proud to work with such a legendary artist who authentically embodies Rock The Ocean’s mission - a love for the ocean and a commitment to protecting it”.

He adds, “At Tortuga, we’ve always believed when people fall in love with the ocean, they’re more likely to protect it. Kenny’s music’s inspired millions of fans to develop a deeper appreciation for the ocean, and his presence here signals that reality”.

Stacy concludes his tribute to the ‘Just To Say We Did’ singer-songwriter, “Not to mention, it gives all the charitable organizations an opportunity to talk to people one-on-one about conservation. For all those reasons, we wanted to recognize not just six shows, but how he’s engaged and invested people in the larger mission”.

It's undoubtedly true that Chesney's sun-soaked, island-inspired catalogue of hits paints a vibrant, rose-tinted portrayal of a life lived in harmony with ocean, with the country titan often regaling listeners with vivid tales of days spent with friends out on a boat or sat happily in the white sand, watching the tide peacefully roll in.

Chesney is also the founder of No Shoes Reefs, an organisation set up to help create healthier oceans - a mission that aligns with the key message of Tortuga and Rock the Ocean.

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