The 2019 Kennedy Center Honors transcended a mere awards ceremony—it felt like a heartfelt, overdue tribute to Linda Ronstadt, whose extraordinary voice has resonated across six decades of American music. On December 29, the grand Kennedy Center Concert Hall in Washington, D.C., was transformed into a stage where love, admiration, and gratitude converged to celebrate a true icon.
Despite her visible frailty, Ronstadt sat beside Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, radiant in spirit if not in physical strength. As each tribute unfolded, the audience rose in standing ovations, honoring her unparalleled contributions to music and culture.
Carrie Underwood Channels “Blue Bayou”
Country superstar Carrie Underwood opened the musical tributes with a stirring rendition of “Blue Bayou,” capturing the same emotional depth that Ronstadt first brought to life in 1977. Underwood’s soaring soprano carried the audience back to the timeless original, reminding everyone of Ronstadt’s lasting influence.
Emmylou Harris & Bonnie Raitt Rekindle “You’re No Good”
Longtime friends and collaborators Emmylou Harris and Bonnie Raitt then took the stage, trading verses and guitar licks on “You’re No Good.” Their fiery performance echoed the raw energy of Ronstadt’s 1974 hit, celebrating both her chart-topping success and the bond of sisterhood that has defined their musical partnership.
Aaron Neville’s Tender Duet
Aaron Neville moved many to tears with his Grammy-winning duet “Don’t Know Much,” originally recorded with Ronstadt. His warm tenor and delicate phrasing recreated the song’s intimate magic, illustrating the profound connection between these two legendary voices.
Arturo Sandoval Honors Her Heritage
The evening’s most unexpected moment arrived when Cuban trumpet legend Arturo Sandoval, flanked by a full mariachi ensemble, performed “Cuando Me Enamoro.” This tribute hailed Ronstadt’s groundbreaking 1987 album Canciones de Mi Padre, acknowledging her bold embrace of her Mexican-American roots and her role in introducing mariachi music to mainstream U.S. audiences.
Messages from Fellow Legends and the President
Across the music world, tributes poured in. Dolly Parton offered a heartfelt video message, Glenn Frey’s widow shared her memories, and Don Henley watched with misty eyes. Yet it was President Barack Obama’s recorded homage that truly moved the crowd. Having previously awarded Ronstadt the National Medal of Arts, he described her as “a force of nature,” prompting thunderous applause.
A Final Public Appearance Before a World-Changing Year
This tribute marked Ronstadt’s first major appearance since publicly announcing her Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2013—and it would be her last before the COVID-19 pandemic closed stages worldwide. When the broadcast aired in March 2020, it served as an unintentional time capsule, capturing a moment of unity and the power of live performance.
Rumor had it that Ronstadt, ever the perfectionist, hesitated to accept the honor, joking that she felt like “a rusty old car.” Yet as the last mariachi notes faded and she clutched her hands in appreciation, it was clear the event was not about flawless execution. It was about celebrating a legacy defined by passion, cultural pride, and boundary-crossing artistry.
Linda Ronstadt: A Genre-Defying Trailblazer
From rock and country to opera and Latin ballads, Ronstadt refused to be confined by genre. She recorded in multiple languages, collaborated with diverse musicians, and consistently broke new ground. That night at the Kennedy Center, her journey came full circle—not with a single triumphant note, but with a chorus of voices raised in her honor.