Longtime singer/songwriter George Strait has earned numerous accolades throughout his long career. In December 2025, he added another to his resume when he received a medal from President Donald Trump at the Kennedy Center Honors. The president fittingly introduced Strait as a “country music legend.” As Fox News reported, the medals given to this year’s honorees came courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
Strait was one of several music and film stars who received this special honor. By his side were actors Sylvester Stallone and Michael Crawford, singer Gloria Gaynor, and the rock & roll band KISS. The event’s red carpet was equally star-studded, with some of Hollywood’s best and brightest in attendance.
The Honor Comes After Strait Celebrated a Major Personal Milestone
Strait had his wife, Norma, by his side at the Kennedy Center Honors — a place she has long occupied at public events. However, this appearance was special because of the major milestone the couple recently celebrated. On December 4th, 2025, the pair rang in their 54th wedding anniversary, a rare accomplishment for any couple. As Country Living reported, the Straits eloped in Mexico back in 1971.
Even more surprising is the fact that this incredible personal milestone almost never happened. “I asked her out, and we went on a date. We didn’t see each other for a long time after that,” Strait said. “Then one day, I thought, ‘I’m missing the boat here,’ and we started dating again.” The rest is country music history.
The Country Music Icon is in the Twilight Years of His Touring Career
The Kennedy Center Honors also comes at a time when Strait is at a crossroads in his career. In May 2025, the singer told a crowd of fans that his days of live performances may become a thing of the past in just a few years. “I have maybe five good years to sing my songs for you folks,” he said in the emotional message. “It’s been around fifty now, and I still love it just as much as I ever did.”
Strait has definitely slowed down over the years, but he’s not stopping just yet. As of this writing, his official website lists three live performances scheduled for mid-2026. Even after he hangs up his touring hat for good, fans will still be able to enjoy his massive catalog of legendary hits and their memories of his decades’ worth of concerts.
