Recently, country music legend George Strait Honoree was officially named as one of the 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees, and the announcement was made on August 13 by President Donald Trump.

Strait joins a star-studded lineup including KISS, Sylvester Stallone, Michael Crawford, and Gloria Gaynor.

“Over a remarkable four-decade career, George has sold over 120 million records and earned 60 No. 1 hits,” said Trump. “He has also released 33 platinum albums, more than any living American. Millions consider him the ‘King of Country.’”

Country Legend Featured in Kennedy Center’s Country Music Lineup

Strait is the first country star to receive this recognition in five years. The last was Garth Brooks, highlighting the Kennedy Center’s appreciation for country music legends.

So far, only ten country artists have been honored by the Kennedy Center, and now Strait will become the eleventh.

Previous Country Music Stars Honored by the Kennedy Center

Here’s a look at the country stars who received Kennedy Center Honors before George Strait:

1. 1. 1. Roy Acuff – Trailblazing Country Artist (1982)

The Kennedy Center recognized Roy Acuff as the first-ever country artist, and he shared the stage with fellow honorees Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Fayard Nicholas, and Gregory Peck. In addition, Emmylou Harris, Steve Wariner, Chet Atkins, Bill Monroe, and Mark O’Connor performed musical tributes.

1. Johnny Cash – Iconic Kennedy Center Tribute  (1996)

The Kennedy Center honored Johnny Cash alongside Edward Albee and Jack Lemmon. Moreover, Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett, Emmylou Harris, and Rosanne Cash delivered tributes celebrating his influence on future country legends, including George Strait Honoree.

1. 1. Willie Nelson – Celebrated Country Star  (1998)

The Kennedy Center recognized Willie Nelson with Fred Ebb, John Kander, André Previn, and Shirley Temple Black. Additionally, Dwight Yoakam performed “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” in tribute to Nelson.

1. 1. Loretta Lynn – First Female Country Icon  (2003)

The Kennedy Center honored Loretta Lynn as the first female country artist, and she celebrated alongside other honorees that year. Furthermore, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks, and Patty Loveless performed tribute songs.

1. 1. Dolly Parton – Legendary Performer  (2006)

The Kennedy Center recognized Dolly Parton with Andrew Lloyd Webber, Zubin Mehta, Smokey Robinson, and Steven Spielberg. In addition, Kenny Rogers, Carrie Underwood, Alison Krauss, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, and Vince Gill performed tributes.

1. 1. George Jones – Honored Country Legend  (2008)

The Kennedy Center honored George Jones alongside Morgan Freeman, Barbra Streisand, Twyla Tharp, and The Who. Moreover, Brad Paisley, Randy Travis, Alan Jackson, and Garth Brooks performed musical tributes.

1. 1. Merle Haggard – Kennedy Center Recognition  (2010)

The Kennedy Center recognized Merle Haggard with Jerry Herman, Paul McCartney, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill T. Jones. In addition, Brad Paisley, Kris Kristofferson, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, Kid Rock, and Miranda Lambert performed tributes.

1. 1. Reba McEntire – Celebrated Music Icon  (2018)

The Kennedy Center honored Reba McEntire alongside Cher, Philip Glass, Wayne Shorter, and the creators of Hamilton. Furthermore, Kelly Clarkson, Lady A, and Brooks & Dunn delivered musical tributes.

1. 1. Linda Ronstadt – Tribute Highlights  (2019)

The Kennedy Center recognized Linda Ronstadt with Earth, Wind & Fire, Sally Field, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Sesame Street. Additionally, Carrie Underwood, Trisha Yearwood, Emmylou Harris, and Aaron Neville performed tribute songs.

1. 1. Garth Brooks – Kennedy Center Celebration  (2020, Ceremony 2021)

The Kennedy Center honored Garth Brooks alongside Debbie Allen, Joan Baez, Midori, and Dick Van Dyke. Moreover, Kelly Clarkson, James Taylor, and Gladys Knight performed tribute songs celebrating his legacy.

2025 Kennedy Center Ceremony Schedule: George Strait Appearance

Fans can also tune in to CBS on December 22, 2025, to watch George Strait Honoree recognized at the Kennedy Center.