Linda Ronstadt Receives Prestigious American Cultural Award During Tribute-Filled Evening

🌟 A NATIONAL SALUTE TO A LEGENDARY VOICE
The 2019 Kennedy Center Honors served as more than just a ceremony — it was a long-awaited tribute to Linda Ronstadt, whose remarkable voice has left an enduring mark on American music. On December 29, inside the elegant Kennedy Center Concert Hall in Washington, D.C., the evening unfolded as a moving homage to a woman whose artistry has spanned generations.

Seated alongside Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Ronstadt — graceful and visibly delicate — looked on as her extraordinary six-decade journey was celebrated with deep emotion, heartfelt performances, and well-earned standing ovations.

🎶 A CELEBRATION OF LINDA RONSTADT’S ENDURING LEGACY
The stage of the Kennedy Center glowed with reverence and admiration as the 2019 Honors paid tribute to one of music’s most fearless and beloved voices — Linda Ronstadt. On December 29, in Washington, D.C., artists, friends, and fans gathered to celebrate a career that transcended genre and time.

Carrie Underwood opened the musical portion of the evening with a heartfelt rendition of “Blue Bayou,” channeling the emotional nuance that made Ronstadt’s 1977 performance unforgettable. It was a moment of quiet power — a reminder of how deeply Ronstadt’s music continues to resonate.

Next, Emmylou Harris and Bonnie Raitt brought energy and warmth to the stage with a spirited version of “You’re No Good.” Their camaraderie, musicality, and reverence for Ronstadt’s artistry filled the room with joy — and the audience with appreciation for a sisterhood that spans decades.

🎤 A TRIBUTE IN SOUND AND SPIRIT
Aaron Neville followed with “Don’t Know Much,” the beloved duet he originally recorded with Ronstadt. His voice, rich with feeling, recaptured the original’s tenderness and brought many in the audience to tears.

Then came a powerful cultural moment: legendary Cuban trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, accompanied by a mariachi ensemble, performed “Cuando Me Enamoro” in tribute to Ronstadt’s acclaimed Canciones de Mi Padre — a project that honored her Mexican-American roots and brought mariachi music into the American mainstream in 1987. The performance was a testament to Ronstadt’s pride in heritage and her bold artistic vision.

💬 WORDS FROM FRIENDS, AND A PRESIDENTIAL APPEARANCE
Tributes poured in throughout the evening. Dolly Parton sent a heartfelt video message. Don Henley watched on, visibly moved. Glenn Frey’s widow offered warm remembrances of the friendship and musical history their families shared.

In a surprise video tribute, former President Barack Obama described Ronstadt as “a force of nature,” drawing a thunderous standing ovation — the emotional apex of a night that had already seen so many.

🕊️ A MOMENT FROZEN IN TIME
This night marked more than a milestone in Ronstadt’s career — it was also her first major public appearance since disclosing her Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2013. Poignantly, it would be her final public tribute before the world paused amid a global pandemic.

Originally aired in March 2020, the broadcast took on new meaning. It became a snapshot of collective admiration, resilience, and the deep impact of an artist who brought people together through her music.

Privately, it was said Ronstadt was hesitant to accept the honor — calling herself, with characteristic humility, “a rusty old car.” But in the faces of those on stage and in the audience, it was clear: she is nothing short of a national treasure.

🎼 THE LEGACY OF LINDA RONSTADT
Across rock, country, opera, and Latin music, Linda Ronstadt refused to be defined by any one genre. She blazed her own trail — unapologetically and with grace — creating a legacy that defies labels and celebrates authenticity.

That evening at the Kennedy Center was not just a tribute to her voice, but to her courage, her influence, and her unwavering artistic spirit. It wasn’t an ending — it was a celebration of a legacy still echoing, still inspiring, and still deeply loved.