Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
Washington, D.C. – Texas country music icon George Strait has been named a 2025 Kennedy Center Honoree, joining rock legends KISS and disco queen Gloria Gaynor in this year’s prestigious lineup. The announcement was made Wednesday morning by President Donald Trump, who praised Strait as a “national treasure” whose music embodies the spirit of America.
Strait, often referred to as the “King of Country,” has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and earned 60 No. 1 hits across his career, more than any other artist in any genre. His timeless ballads and honky-tonk anthems have defined country music for over four decades, making him one of the most celebrated performers in American history.
The Kennedy Center Honors, considered one of the highest cultural awards in the United States, recognize artists whose lifetime contributions have shaped American arts and culture. This year’s ceremony will shine a spotlight not only on Strait’s country roots, but also on the theatrical performances of KISS and the enduring influence of Gloria Gaynor’s disco classic “I Will Survive.”
“I am deeply humbled to receive this honor,” Strait said in a statement. “Country music has been my life, and to stand alongside artists I admire so much is a blessing beyond words.”
The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors ceremony is scheduled for December in Washington, D.C., where Strait, KISS, and Gaynor will be recognized in a star-studded celebration of their artistic legacies.