The annualKennedy Center Honorsonce again saw participation from the President of the United States whenJoe Bidenattended the event after his predecessor,Donald Trump, declined to show at the illustrious ceremony during his four years in office.
On Sunday evening, Biden, 79, and Dr.Jill Bidenattended the induction, which celebrates individuals involved with the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture.
In response, the Trumps announced they wouldnot attend that year’s ceremonyor host the traditional accompanying reception at the White House, in order to “allow the honorees to celebrate without any political distraction.”
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At this year’s ceremony,Joni Mitchell,Bette Mider, Berry Gordy,Lorne Michaelsand Justino Díaz were celebrated for their accomplishments. The stars were honored during a reception at the White House, a medallion ceremony at the Library of Congress and an event at the performing arts center’s Opera House.
The tributes and performances were filmed for a special, set to air to air on CBS on Dec. 22.
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Midler, 76, posted photos from the prestigious ceremony on Instagram, sharing a snap onInstagramwith her husband, Martin von Haselberg.
“44th Kennedy Center Honors …what a thrill!” she wrote alongside the pic. TheHocus Pocusstar celebrated her fellow honorees inanother shot, writing “Look at this group!” of the five in their rainbow ribbons.
“I always think that polio was a rehearsal for the rest of my life: I’ve had to come back several times from things. And this last one was a real whopper,” Mitchell said. “But, you know, I’m hobbling along but I’m doing all right!”
“So I don’t know really what else to say to you, except this is a glorious building and a fantastic honor, and I’m so pleased to be here — see my old friends and acquaintances,” she added. “Enjoy yourselves, I’m gonna go back down and sit down!”
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Earlier this year, the2020 Kennedy Center Honorswere awarded in May after the event was postponed from December 2020 due to safety concerns amid theCOVID-19 pandemic.
There,Dick Van Dyke,Garth Brooks,Debbie Allen,Joan Baezand Midori were honored with medallions at the rescheduled event.Gloria Estefanhosted the ceremony, while cellist Yo-Yo Ma performed. Both artists are prior recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors.
source: people.com
