A National Tribute to One of Music’s Greatest Voices
The 2019 Kennedy Center Honors ceremony was far more than a routine celebration—it represented a long-awaited, heartfelt acknowledgment of Linda Ronstadt’s extraordinary contributions to American music. On December 29, at Washington, D.C.’s majestic Kennedy Center Concert Hall, friends, family, and fellow artists gathered to salute the artist whose voice had touched countless lives over six remarkable decades.
Despite her physical frailty, Ronstadt—seated beside Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor—radiated warmth and gratitude as the audience rose to their feet, offering standing ovations in recognition of her unparalleled career, marked by versatility, soul, and unwavering integrity.
Tributes from Carrie Underwood, Emmylou Harris, and Bonnie Raitt
The evening’s musical homages began with Carrie Underwood’s haunting rendition of “Blue Bayou,” a performance that captured the same emotional depth Ronstadt first unveiled in 1977. Underwood’s voice soared with reverence, underscoring just how timeless Linda’s interpretations remain.
Next, Emmylou Harris and Bonnie Raitt—both dear friends and long-time collaborators—took the stage for a fiery duet of “You’re No Good.” Trading verses and guitar solos, they reignited the spark of Ronstadt’s 1974 chart-topper, reminding everyone that true artistry never fades.
The crowd responded not only to the songs themselves but to the powerful sense of sisterhood and musical legacy that filled the hall.
Aaron Neville and Arturo Sandoval Create Unforgettable Moments
Emotion surged again when Aaron Neville appeared to sing “Don’t Know Much,” the Grammy-winning duet he originally recorded with Linda. His warm tenor voice brought back the song’s intimate spirit, drawing tears from many in the audience.
The most surprising highlight of the night came when Cuban trumpet virtuoso Arturo Sandoval, accompanied by a full mariachi ensemble, performed “Cuando Me Enamoro.” This tribute to Ronstadt’s 1987 Canciones de Mi Padre album beautifully honored her Mexican-American heritage and her courage in introducing mariachi music to a broader audience.
Words of Praise from Legends and a Presidential Salute
Tributes poured in from every corner of the music world. Dolly Parton recorded a touching video message, Glenn Frey’s widow delivered heartfelt reminiscences, and Don Henley watched from the audience with tears in his eyes. Yet it was a video appearance by President Barack Obama—who had previously awarded Linda the National Medal of Arts—that truly moved the crowd. Calling her “a force of nature,” he prompted yet another thunderous ovation.
A Poignant Farewell Before the World Changed
This tribute carried even greater weight knowing it was Linda Ronstadt’s first major outing since disclosing her Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2013—and, as it turned out, her last before the COVID-19 pandemic paused live events worldwide. When the ceremony aired in March 2020, it became an unexpected time capsule of unity and the transcendent power of music.
Behind the scenes, insiders revealed that Linda had initially hesitated to accept the honor, joking that she felt like “an old, rusty car.” Yet as mariachi strains faded and she gathered her courage to stand and wave, the evening crystallized what truly mattered: legacy, cultural pride, and the lasting impact of a trailblazing artist.
Linda Ronstadt: A Legend Beyond Genre
From country and rock to opera and Latin ballads, Linda Ronstadt refused to be confined by any single style. She recorded in multiple languages, bridged musical worlds, and stood as one of the most influential female voices of her generation.
That December night at the Kennedy Center, her journey came full circle—not with a final note, but with a chorus of voices united in admiration and love.