Country singer Barbara Mandrell named a 2026 Kennedy Center Honoree
The gist
The Kennedy Center named country singer Barbara Mandrell, 77, a 2026 Honoree, its fourth female country artist.
The retired star's ceremony moves to a new venue.
How it unfolded
- Nov 2, 2026The Kennedy Center announces its 2026 (49th annual) honorees: Paul Anka, David Foster, Barbara Mandrell, Andy Garcia and David Mamet. Mandrell, 77, is the fourth female country artist to receive the honor, after Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire.
- Nov 2, 2026Mandrell posts a statement on Instagram and official social media reacting to the honor, saying it is "one of the greatest honors of my life."
- Dec 7, 2026The 49th annual Kennedy Center Honors is scheduled at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C., instead of the Kennedy Center Opera House.