Barbara Mandrell will soon receive another award for her legendary career. Mandrell was recently named as one of the recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors, chosen by President Trump. Mandrell is being honored along with Paul Anka, David Foster, Andy Garcia, and David Mamet.
“Receiving the Kennedy Center Honors is one of the greatest honors of my life,” Mandrell writes on social media. “First and foremost, I give thanks to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whose grace has guided me throughout my life and career. I’m grateful to my family, the musicians and songwriters who have been part of this journey, and the fans who have supported me through every season.
“Country music has been a gift to me,” she adds, “and I’m humbled that the songs and performances we shared continue to mean something to people.”
According to the Kennedy Center’s website, the Kennedy Center Honors “recognizes and celebrates individuals whose unique artistic contributions have shaped our world. Recipients have each had an impact on the rich tapestry of American life and culture through the performing arts. Whether in music, dance, theater, opera, motion pictures or television, each Kennedy Center Honoree has a unique place in the fabric of our nation and their influence has inspired audiences from all walks of life. ”
Other country artists who have been the recipients of the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors include Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, and George Jones, among others.
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What Happened to Barbara Mandrell
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Mandrell dominated the country music charts, with songs like “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed,” “(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want to Be Right,” “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool,” “One of a Kind Pair of Fools,” and many more, with several of Mandrell’s songs becoming crossover hits as well.
In 1997, Mandrell announced she was retiring from performing. A member of the Grand Ole Opry, Mandrell’s final performance was a show called “Barbara Mandrell and the Do-Rites: The Last Dance,” held at the Grand Ole Opry in October of that year.
A near-fatal car accident in 1984 caused serious injuries to Mandrell, and also made her reevaluate her priorities. Years later, Mandrell said she has no regrets about walking away from her very successful career.
“I treasure what I was given, the moments with the most wonderful people that gave me the opportunity in life to be able to retire from my music. … Ken and I. We talked and talked and talked,” Mandrell told CBN, referring to her husband since 1967. “We prayed and prayed and prayed. I kept wondering when, and when the time came, it was immediate. It came so fast. And God, He doesn’t steer us wrong.”
Mandrell also had a successful TV career, including headlining her own Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters variety show, plus appearing in shows like Touched by an Angel, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, and more.