George Strait Refuses CBS Interview—Says “Let the Music Speak for Itself” After Kennedy Center Honor

The King of Country Music has once again proven why he stands in a class of his own. George Strait was recently honored as part of the 48th class of Kennedy Center Honorees, joining an elite group recognized for shaping America’s cultural landscape through the arts. This year’s honorees also include Broadway great Michael Crawford, Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone, disco legend Gloria Gaynor, and rock superstars KISS.

The Kennedy Center Honors celebrate individuals whose work has left a lasting mark on the arts — and few artists have done that more consistently than George Strait.

A Presidential Welcome for the 2025 Honorees

Before the ceremony, this year’s honorees gathered in the Oval Office to meet with President Donald Trump, chairman of the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees.
During the medal presentation, he praised the artists as possibly the “most accomplished and renowned class” in the history of the Honors, noting:

“This is a group of icons whose work and accomplishments have inspired, uplifted, and unified millions and millions of Americans.”

For George Strait, whose music has touched audiences for more than 40 years, the praise could not have been more fitting.

A Rare Family Appearance at the Kennedy Center

On December 7th, the honorees were celebrated in a star-studded ceremony at the Kennedy Center, which will air as a CBS television special on December 23.

Some of country music’s biggest stars — Miranda Lambert, Vince Gill, Brooks & Dunn, and Alan Jackson — took the stage to pay tribute to Strait with heartfelt performances of his biggest hits.

Making the night even more special was the appearance of Strait’s family. His wife Norma, son Bubba, daughter-in-law Tamara, and grandchildren Harvey (13) and Jilliann (9) were all in attendance. The grandchildren rarely appear in public, making their presence a true sign of how meaningful this honor was to the Strait family.

George Strait Declines CBS Interview — And Fans Love Why

Every year, CBS Mornings interviews the new class of Kennedy Center Honorees. But this time, the network revealed that George Strait politely declined, referring to him as a “reluctant royal.”

His reason?
He simply wanted to “let the music speak for itself.”

It’s a response that fits him perfectly — humble, private, grounded, and true to the belief that his legacy should be measured by the songs, not the spotlight.
In a world full of noise, George Strait continues to stand out by saying less — and singing more.

See George Strait’s life and legendary career highlighted for the Kennedy Center Honors in the video below!

A Career Worth Celebrating

George Strait’s Kennedy Center Honor confirms what fans have known for decades:
His influence reaches far beyond country music.

With more than 60 No. 1 hits, countless awards, and a career spanning generations, Strait has helped shape the sound of American music. The Kennedy Center tribute beautifully reflects his journey, his impact, and the timeless quality of his work.