Country Artists Pay Tribute To The “King Of Country,” George Strait, At Kennedy Center Honors

“We can hardly imagine the country music phenomena without its ‘King of Country,’” said President Donald Trump on Dec. 6 in the Oval Office as he presented George Strait and the other 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees with medallions.

Trump’s sentiment continued to ring true during the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, which occurred on Dec. 7, but was broadcast on CBS on Dec. 23.

Introducing the tribute to George Strait was Vince Gill, who said, “He gives such a true and genuine view of country music…your authenticity is why we call you our King.”

From the balcony, Strait could be seen smiling and even tearing up at times during his tribute.

The songs that were performed showed the strength in Strait’s body of work, with music performed from his second album, the 1982 release Strait From the Heart; all the way to his 2008 album, Troubadour.

Brooks & Dunn Perform “Amarillo By Morning”

Country duo Brooks & Dunn kicked off the tribute to Strait by performing “Amarillo By Morning.” Strait appeared misty-eyed as he listened to them sing.

This song, while it was originally released in 1973 by Terry Strafford, would go on to become one of the most enduring hits of Strait’s career when he released his rendition of it on his 1982 album Strait From the Heart.

See some of Brooks & Dunn’s tribute performance below.