Reba McEntire |Photo Credits: hotworldreport.com

Almost a month ago, Reba McEntire was announced as one of the honorees of the 2018 Kennedy Center Honors. Fans and artists alike are definitely delighted for the country icon’s new feat. The 2018 Kennedy Center Honors ceremony will take place on Dec. 2 and will air on CBS at 8 PM ET on Dec. 26.

As told by  MusicRow, McEntire joins the likes of Cher, Philip Glass, Wayne Shorter, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, Andy Blankenbuehler and Alex Lacamoire as recipients of the said award.

Kennedy Center Honors Logotype |Photo Credits: jakes-take.com

Kennedy Center Honors

The Kennedy Center Honors awards those in the performing arts for their lifetime contribution to American culture. However, they don’t necessarily be U.S. citizens to be a recipient. In addition, they must be innovators in their respective fields, helping to define the arts. Culminating every December, the honors have been presented annually since 1978. It has since been held at the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington D.C.

David M. Rubenstein, chairman of the Kennedy Center, shared what the Kennedy Center Honors looks for in a potential recipient. He said:

“The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes exceptional artists who have made enduring and indelible marks on our culture.”

Meanwhile, Deborah F. Rutter, President of  the Kennedy Center Honors, adds:

“The world looks to America for its creative instincts and artistic courage. This year’s slate of honorees represents the pinnacle of our nation’s originality and the rich mosaic of diverse perspectives and art forms that [have] come to define who we are as a people.”

Past Country Music Honorees

To note, this is not the first time that Kennedy Center Honors conferred a country music star with the award. Past country star recipients include Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, among others.

One of the special surprises at the event is that each recipient gets to enjoy an introduction and performance by participants that is kept unknown to them. Luckily, for McEntire, she has already served as one the performers for four past honorees. Namely, they were Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Lily Tomlin and Carol Burnett.

With excitement, she exclaimed:

“When the curtain went up, I could see the surprise in their eyes. I can’t wait to see who they come up with for me.”

After being a surprise act for past honorees, it is McEntire’s time to be acknowledged for her contributions in her field and in the arts.

Again, CONGRATULATIONS, Reba!

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