Country Stars Honor the “King of Country” George Strait at the Kennedy Center Honors
Country music royalty gathered to celebrate George Strait during the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, a tribute befitting the man widely known as the “King of Country.”
While presenting the honorees with their medallions in the Oval Office on December 6, President Donald Trump summed it up simply:
“We can hardly imagine country music without its King of Country.”
That sentiment carried through the official Kennedy Center Honors ceremony on December 7, later broadcast on CBS on December 23.
The tribute segment for Strait was introduced by Vince Gill, who praised Strait’s unwavering authenticity.
“He gives such a true and genuine view of country music,” Gill said. “Your authenticity is why we call you our King.”
From his seat in the balcony, Strait was visibly moved, smiling — and at times wiping away tears — as fellow artists performed songs spanning his legendary catalog, from Strait From the Heart (1982) through Troubadour (2008).
Brooks & Dunn Perform “Amarillo By Morning”
The tribute opened with Brooks & Dunn delivering a powerful rendition of “Amarillo By Morning.” Originally recorded by Terry Stafford in 1973, the song became one of Strait’s most iconic hits after his 1982 recording. Watching from above, Strait appeared deeply emotional as the duo honored one of his signature songs.
Vince Gill Sings “Troubadour”
Gill later returned to the stage to perform “Troubadour,” adding another heartfelt layer to the evening. The moment carried extra meaning, as Strait had recently honored Gill with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 59th CMA Awards in November — a surprise appearance that made the recognition even more special.
Gill’s performance reflected years of mutual respect between the two artists, with admiration clearly written into every lyric. The tribute felt less like a performance and more like one legend saluting another.
As the evening closed, it was clear the ceremony wasn’t just about celebrating hits or accolades — it was about honoring a career built on consistency, humility, and an unshakable commitment to country music.
Congratulations to George Strait and all of the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees on a truly unforgettable night.
