Barbara Mandrell to receive Kennedy Center Honors in December

Barbara Mandrell will be honored with the Kennedy Center Honors during a ceremony in December, marking the second consecutive year a country singer has received this recognition, according to wyrk.com, 103wjod.com, and xlcountry.com.

President Donald Trump expressed pride in recognizing the 2025 honorees, describing them as artists whose lifelong work has shaped American culture and inspired generations. Alongside Mandrell, the class includes singer Paul Anka, composer David Foster, actor Andy Garcia, and writer David Mamet.

Mandrell, a country music pioneer who rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s, was the first woman to win back-to-back CMA Entertainer of the Year awards. Her success also led to a popular TV show featuring her and her sisters.

She retired from performing after a final concert in 1997 for cable channel TNN and has since appeared only occasionally for honors or charity events. Mandrell is credited with six No. 1 hits on Billboard's Country Airplay chart, including songs like "Sleeping Single In a Double Bed" and "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool."

Mandrell expressed gratitude for the honor on Instagram, attributing her career guidance to her faith and thanking family, musicians, songwriters, and fans for their support throughout her journey.