Thirty-five years after its release, Tracy Chapman's “Fast Car” won Song of the Year at the Country Music Awards, making her the first Black songwriter to receive the honor.

“Fast Car” reached number one on the country charts thanks to a cover by Luke Combs.

Though Chapman was not present at the awards ceremony in Nashville this week, she sent her gratitude to the audience via a statement read on stage by Sarah Evans, who co-presented the award.

"I regret not being able to join you all tonight,” Chapman shared. “It's a genuine honor for my song to receive recognition anew after 35 years since its debut. Gratitude to the CMAs, and a special thank you to Luke and all the 'Fast Car' fans.”

Combs, known for his catchy country hits, won Single of the Year for the remake. In his speech, he made sure to give Chapman her flowers, thanking her for creating "one of the best songs of all time."

"Never intended for that – I just recorded it because I love this song so much,” Combs said. “It's meant so much to me throughout my entire life. It's the first favorite song I ever had from the time I was four years old."

The country singer also told Entertainment Tonight, "This song has been a constant throughout my entire life, reminding me of moments with my dad. It's the song I'll play for my son, and it will undoubtedly be part of my own history.”

“To think that it will now be synonymous with me is just insane, considering how much it has meant to me. So, I just want to say thank you and congratulations to her."

In 1988, “Fast Car” was nominated for three Grammys and Chapman won the award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Hailing from Cleveland, Chapman’s hits include "Give Me One Reason," "Baby Can I Hold You," and "Crossroads." She’s been nominated for 13 Grammys, having won four.