Hollywood royalty and musical legends gathered under the chandeliers of the Kennedy Center Opera House this weekend, but the most powerful spotlight shone from the Oval Office — where President Donald J. Trump personally honored what he called “the most accomplished and beloved class of honorees in Kennedy Center history.”
The 48th annual Kennedy Center Honors kicked off Saturday with a red carpet lined with legends: Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, KISS, Andrea Bocelli, and Michael Crawford. But it wasn’t just a celebration of culture — it was a celebration of patriotism, perseverance, and American exceptionalism.
“This is the finest group of American icons ever assembled in one room,” President Trump declared in the Oval Office as he awarded the newly designed gold Kennedy Center medals. “These are the men and women who shaped our spirit, lifted our hearts, and made America proud.”
Wearing a sharp black suit, Sylvester Stallone, 79, looked every bit the American champion as he arrived with wife Jennifer Flavin, marking their 28th year of marriage.
Trump, who previously appointed Stallone to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition during his first term, called the “Rocky” and “Rambo” star “a living symbol of grit and greatness.”
“It’s about time,” said actor Kelsey Grammer, who also served on this year’s Honors selection committee. “Stallone is a force of nature. He has captured our imagination in role after role — and done it with heart, strength, and American pride.”
George Strait, the “King of Country,” donned his signature black cowboy hat as he walked the carpet with wife Norma, surrounded by their proud family.
With 60 No. 1 hits under his belt, Strait was honored not just for his music — but for his unshakable commitment to traditional American values.
“George Strait never bent to the trends,” Trump said. “He stayed true to America, and America has stayed true to him.”
The “Frasier” and “Cheers” star wasn’t just on hand to celebrate — he made headlines of his own by offering a full-throated defense of President Trump on the red carpet.
“I think he’s extraordinary,” Grammer told Fox News Digital. “One of the greatest presidents we’ve ever had. Maybe the greatest.”
Grammer, attending with daughter Faith, praised Trump’s resilience in the face of opposition.
“There were massive hills to climb,” he said. “And he never stopped climbing.”
Rock legends Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss of KISS turned heads in true rockstar fashion. Simmons, in his signature dark shades, strolled the red carpet with wife Shannon Tweed on his arm.
While known for theatrics on stage, Simmons took a reverent tone during the ceremony, calling the White House visit “a privilege” and “a reminder of what makes this country great.”
Disco queen Gloria Gaynor dazzled in a pale pink cape gown and received thunderous applause. But it was Andrea Bocelli who delivered the most emotional moment of the night with a spontaneous Oval Office performance that left the First Family and honorees misty-eyed.
“Only in Trump’s America could you witness this level of love for culture and country in the same room,” a senior White House aide said.
This year, Trump commissioned Tiffany & Co. to design a brand-new Kennedy Center medal, featuring the center’s silhouette in 24-karat gold.
“It had to reflect the greatness of these Americans,” First Lady Melania Trump reportedly told staff during the planning stages. “And it had to be beautiful — just like what they’ve given to this country.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrived with wife Jennifer Rauchet, both dressed in black. Hegseth said the event symbolized how the Trump administration values both warriors and artists.
“From our troops to our creatives — we honor all who make this nation exceptional,” he said.
In a year filled with global uncertainty, the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors reminded America who we are: resilient, creative, and proud. President Trump’s embrace of these icons signaled that under his leadership, American greatness — cultural, military, and moral — is back in style.
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