'King George' to join Garth, Dolly & Willie as Kennedy Center Honoree

He's known as 'King George' for shattering and breaking records in Country Music, leading to icon and role model status that most can only dream about.  Now, in 2025, George Strait, earns one of the last few honors he has yet to receive- a Kennedy Center Honor!  According to the Kennedy Center, each year they honor artists 'whose work has shaped our cultural landscape with emphasis on how their life has furthered the power of the arts".

George now joins an elite list that includes the 'Original' King of Country Music, Roy Acuff, the first Country Artist to receive the honor in 1991.  Johnny Cash was next in 1996, followed by Willie Nelson (98), Loretta Lynn (2003), Dolly Parton (2006), George Jones (2008), Merle Haggard (20100, Reba McEntire (2018) and Garth Brooks (2020). 

George has given Country Radio some of it's most played singles of all-time- from 80s classics like 'All My Ex's Live In Texas' 'Ocean Front Property' and 'The Chair' to 90s hits like 'I Cross My Heart' 'Write This Down' and 'Check Yes Or No' to 2000's hits like 'Give It Away' (co-written by Bill Anderson), 'Troubadour', and 'Give It All We Got Tonight'. Moreover, George has outlived his chart success with recent albums like 'Cowboys and Dreamers' 'Honky Tonk Time Machine' and 'Cold Beer Conversation'. In addition, being Country Music's "Good Guy In The White Hat", he's donated millions to charity- including his recent fundraiser to help Texas Flood Victims and assisting wounded military men and women via the troopsfirstfoundation.org. George Strait was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Watch the first Country Artist to receive a Kennedy Center Honor- Roy Acuff!