This Country Star Paid Tribute to George Strait With a Perfect Performance of “Run”

Miranda Lambert and George Strait will be inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2026. 

Videos by Wide Open Country

Perhaps as a result of this honor, "The House That Built Me" singer had the opportunity several weeks ago to pay tribute to her fellow Lone Star State inhabitant at the Kennedy Center Honors. 

George Strait Is a Kennedy Center Honoree

President Donald Trump announced Strait as a Kennedy Center Honoree several months ago, along with actor Sylvester Stallone, "I Will Survive" singer Gloria Gaynor, Phantom of the Opera star Michael Crawford, and rock band KISS. 

"He's beloved by hundreds of millions of people all over the world," Trump said in his announcement back in August. "In his unparalleled multi-decade career, Strait has 60 No. 1 country singles, more than any other artist in any genre, has sold 120 million records and produced 33 platinum albums..."

On Dec. 6, when he was awarded his medal at the White House, which was designed, created, and donated by jeweler Tiffany & Co., Trump said Strait could leave his cowboy hat on. "I think we can get it through," he said. 

However, the "Amarillo By Morning" artist kindly removed it, a rare moment in which Strait was seen without his signature headwear. 

@honkytonktown

??? George Strait Receives Presidential Praise Ahead of Kennedy Center Honors Country legend George Strait was celebrated in Washington, D.C. this evening as he visited the White House for a special Oval Office ceremony before the Kennedy Center Honors. President Donald Trump welcomed Strait and fellow honorees KISS, Sylvester Stallone, Michael Crawford and Gloria Gaynor. During the medal presentation, Trump made a playful comment when Strait lifted his cowboy hat, saying he had ?good hair? and joking that sometimes people take off a hat and ?there?s not a lot.? Trump also highlighted Strait?s incredible career. With more than 120 million albums sold, 60 number one hits and 33 Platinum records, he reminded everyone why fans call him the King of Country. This year?s medallions were donated by Tiffany and Co. and featured a blue ribbon instead of the traditional rainbow colors. The 48th Annual Kennedy Center Honors will be held tomorrow night with President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosting. The full ceremony will air later this month on CBS and Paramount Plus. Still looking sharp, King George.

? original sound - Honky Tonk Town

Miranda Lambert and Other Country Stars Paid Tribute to Strait the Following Evening

At the 48th Kennedy Center Honors on Dec. 7, several country performers gathered to celebrate "the King of Country." 

Brooks & Dunn took on "Amarillo by Morning," while Vince Gill sang "Troubadour." 

But perhaps the highlight of the entire evening was Miranda Lambert performing "Run." Penned by Anthony Smith and Tony Lane, the haunting ballad is about overcoming the distances that keep people apart. It appeared on Strait's 2001 album The Road Less Traveled. 

However, this wasn't the first time Lambert had performed the song. She and Strait sang it as a duet on the 2014 album The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from AT&T Stadium. 

It's an absolutely flawless rendition of the classic track. To see Strait quietly watch Lambert perform it to perfection is enough to bring a tear to our eyes. 

A clip of Lambert's performance is below. You can catch the whole thing during the Kennedy Center Honors tonight on CBS or stream it on Paramount+. 

@cbs

@Miranda Lambert pays tribute to "the king of country" George Strait, with a powerful rendition of "Run" Don't miss her full performance tomorrow on The Kennedy Center Honors at 8pm ET/PT on CBS and streaming on @Paramount+ #KennedyCenterHonors #KCHonors #SneakPeek

? original sound - CBS - CBS