Country Stars Honor the “King of Country” George Strait at the Kennedy Center Honors
“We can hardly imagine the country music phenomenon without its ‘King of Country,’” President Donald Trump said on Dec. 6 in the Oval Office as he presented George Strait and the other 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees with their medallions.
Those words echoed throughout the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony the following evening, Dec. 7—an event later broadcast on CBS on Dec. 23—when country music’s most respected voices gathered to celebrate Strait’s unmatched legacy.
e of her performance, here:
The tribute to Strait was introduced by Vince Gill, who captured the sentiment of the room with simple sincerity. “He gives such a true and genuine view of country music,” Gill said. “Your authenticity is why we call you our King.”
Seated in the balcony, Strait watched with a warm smile, visibly moved as the evening unfolded. At times, he wiped away tears as song after song traced the remarkable span of his career—from his 1982 breakthrough album Strait From the Heart to his 2008 release Troubadour.
Brooks & Dunn Perform “Amarillo By Morning”
Brooks & Dunn opened the musical tribute with a stirring rendition of “Amarillo By Morning.” As the duo sang, Strait appeared misty-eyed, listening to a song that has become one of the defining moments of his catalog.
Though originally released by Terry Stafford in 1973, the song became synonymous with Strait after his version appeared on Strait From the Heart, cementing its place as one of country music’s most enduring classics.
Miranda Lambert Performs “Run”
Miranda Lambert followed with a powerful performance of “Run,” a ballad from Strait’s 2001 album The Road Less Traveled. Delivering the song with raw emotion and control, Lambert honored Strait’s gift for storytelling and heartbreak, drawing quiet reverence from the audience.
Vince Gill Sings “Troubadour”
Vince Gill returned to the stage to perform “Troubadour,” the title track from Strait’s 2008 album. The moment felt especially meaningful, coming just weeks after Strait honored Gill with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 59th CMA Awards on Nov. 19—a surprise appearance that made the night unforgettable.
By the time of the Kennedy Center Honors, the secret was out, with Gill and Strait walking the red carpet together. Gill’s performance of “Troubadour” was deeply moving, his admiration and respect for Strait evident in every note.
As images from Strait’s life and career played behind him, the tribute felt less like a performance and more like a thank-you letter set to music.
The evening served as a powerful reminder of George Strait’s enduring influence—not just as a hitmaker, but as a standard-bearer for authenticity in country music.
Congratulations to George Strait and all of this year’s Kennedy Center Honorees.