George Strait, 73, Surprises Fans With a Rare Public Appearance as Donald Trump Honors the Country Legend. ML
Key Points
- George Strait removed his signature cowboy hat at the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony.
- Donald Trump praised the diverse honorees, calling the group “the very best in American Arts.”
- The event will be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+ on December 23 at 8 p.m.
George Strait is widely known for wearing his signature cowboy hat everywhere he goes. It’s become a defining element of his signature style. But in a recent rare public appearance at the Oval Office, the country music icon removed the famous accessory, sparking some ‘surprised’ reactions from those around him.
Over the weekend, the “Amarillo by Morning” hitmaker, 73, was honored with a gold medallion as part of the 48th Kennedy Center Honors. He received a medal at the annual national celebration of the arts in Washington, D.C. alongside fellow recipients actor Sylvester Stallone, disco singer Gloria Gaynor, British Actor Michael Crawford, and members of the rock band KISS.
Donald Trump Praised the Honorees Before Presenting Them With Their Medals
U.S. President Donald Trump, who presented each star with the special medal, spoke to the crowd before inviting Strait up to the podium.
“It’s a privilege to pay tribute to the very best in American Arts and Culture, and that’s what you have beside me,” Trump, who is also Chairman of the Board of the Kennedy Center, said, according to Forbes on Saturday, Dec. 6. “Incredible people. I know most of them, and I’ve been a fan of all of them…. a group of icons whose work and accomplishments inspired, uplifted, and unified millions and millions of Americans.”
“This is perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class of Kennedy Center Honorees ever assembled,” he added before welcoming Strait to step up. “We have country music legend George Strait.”
While accepting his medal, Strait looked dapper in a black tuxedo and a matching cowboy hat. After shaking hands with Trump amid warm applause, he shared a lighthearted exchange with the president.
As Strait went to remove his hat, Trump — preparing to drape the custom Tiffany & Co. medal around the Texan’s neck — said, “If you want to leave it on, you can. I think we can get it through.”
Strait opted to take off the hat, to which Trump seemed surprised.
“Oh. He’s got good hair!” Trump acknowledged as shown in the TikTok video below, earning a laugh from the country music icon. “I’m surprised. Sometimes they take it off, and it’s not a lot.”
“A little bit. I still got a little bit,” Strait replied.
George Strait Isn’t the First Country Star To Earn the Medal
Strait isn’t the only country star who’s received a Kennedy Center Honor medal. Past recipients have included Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Garth Brooks, and Loretta Lynn.
Trump reportedly had a hand in choosing this year’s honorees, and he also served as host, presenting each artist with their medallion. Stephen Colbert, Gloria Estefan, Walter Cronkite, and Caroline Kennedy are among those who served as hosts for the special event in years past.
The 48th Kennedy Center Honors will broadcast on CBS and Paramount+ Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
