During a recent State Department dinner honoring the 2019 Kennedy Center Honors recipients, legendary singer-songwriter Linda Ronstadt made headlines for her sharp response to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The dinner celebrated notable figures in the arts, including Ronstadt, who was recognized for her lifetime achievements.
The moment went viral when Sam Johnson, son of Oscar-winning actress and fellow honoree, tweeted about how Pompeo had mused about when he would be “loved,” likely referencing one of Ronstadt’s iconic songs. Without missing a beat, Ronstadt confronted him directly, reportedly stating, “Maybe when you stop enabling Donald Trump.”
This isn’t the first time Ronstadt has engaged with political topics—she has been outspoken throughout her career. Besides Ronstadt and Johnson, this year’s honorees include the legendary R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire, the creative minds behind Sesame Street, and conductor Michael Tilson Thomas. Ronstadt was a major force in American music during the 1970s and 1980s, even gracing the cover of Time magazine in 1977. After a long and illustrious career, she announced her retirement from performing in 2011 due to Parkinson’s disease.
The State Department event, where honorees receive a colorful ribbon, took place just before the official awards ceremony, which will be broadcast on CBS on December 15. Notably, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania were absent for the third consecutive year, after several past recipients had hinted at boycotting the event if he attended.
Many are eagerly anticipating the footage of Ronstadt’s bold retort to Pompeo, hoping it won’t be edited out when the dinner airs. As CBS aptly noted, “With worldwide album sales exceeding 50 million, 31 gold and platinum records, and 10 GRAMMY Awards, Ronstadt is the epitome of an American artist.” Following her retirement, she published a memoir titled Simple Dreams, which made The New York Times best-seller list and launched her on a whirlwind book tour.
In a powerful display of standing up for one’s beliefs, Ronstadt reminded everyone present that there are always opportunities to voice our convictions, even in the public eye.
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In summary, Linda Ronstadt shone brightly at the Kennedy Center Honors dinner, using her platform to challenge Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a moment that resonated with many. Her legacy as an artist who isn’t afraid to speak out continues to inspire.