Country music icon Barbara Mandrell, 77, has been named one of five 2026 Kennedy Center Honorees. She joins Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia and David Mamet in the 49th class. In a heartfelt social media statement, Mandrell called the recognition“one of the greatest honors of my life,”crediting her faith, her family, her collaborators and her fans.
The honor caps a legendary career. Mandrell won consecutive CMA Entertainer of the Year titles in 1980 and 1981, and she’s a member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Musicians Hall of Fame. Her NBC variety show with sisters Louise and Irlene drew nearly 40 million viewers a week, bringing country music to households across the country.
The ceremony takes place December 7 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., adding Mandrell to a country honoree list that already includes Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Reba McEntire and George Strait. Which country star do you think deserves a Kennedy Center Honor next? Let us know in the comments.
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Local Lawton
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