Winfrey, McCartney among 5 Kennedy Center honorees

In this May 3, 2010, file photo, Oprah Winfrey arrives at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute gala in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini, file)

Story Topics

• Human Interest Story
• Entertainment_Culture
• Bill T. Jones
• Oprah Winfrey
• Merle Haggard

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WASHINGTON (AP) — TV host and actress Oprah Winfrey has been chosen as a Kennedy Center honoree right before the start of the 25th and final season of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

Ms. Winfrey was one of five honorees revealed Tuesday.

The 56-year-old TV host and actress will be honored at the 33rd annual event in Washington on Dec. 5, along with former Beatles member Paul McCartney; dancer, choreographer and director Bill T. Jones; country singer-songwriter Merle Haggard; and Broadway composer and lyricist Jerry Herman.

“I love surprising people, I don’t like being surprised,” Ms. Winfrey said. “Releasing any kind of control over a show and allowing myself to sit there and be surprised is not going to be easy but I’m willing to do that.”

The Kennedy Center Honors recognize performing artists for their contributions to American culture. Winners are selected by the Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees.

In this Aug. 18, 2010, file photo. Paul McCartney performs at the new CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

In addition to her award-winning TV show, Ms. Winfrey earned Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for her work in the film adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel “The Color Purple.”

Ms. Winfrey is used to celebrating others, both on her popular television show and at previous Kennedy Center Honors programs, but she said she’s looking forward to being celebrated this time around.

“When I’ve done them in the past for people, it has always felt a little bit like being bombarded with a love festival that is about you, and you know that’s gotta feel good,” Ms. Winfrey said during a phone interview in between filming for her show.

The man who is responsible for the event, creator and producer George Stevens Jr., said being a spectator is part of the fun for attendees.

“We don’t put much of a burden on them,” Mr. Stevens said. “You don’t sing for your supper. They are not asked to speak or perform. They simply receive the tribute of their colleagues and peers, which really makes it very different for them, and is part of what makes it so special.”

Country star Mr. Haggard, perhaps best known for his song “Mama Tried,” acknowledged being an audience member will be a new role for him too.

“I don’t know exactly what to do, I guess just sit there and look like you’re having fun,” Mr. Haggard said in his trademark plainspeak, while acknowledging how honored he will feel to hear others sing part of his music.

Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein said in a written statement about the honorees that the honesty of Mr. Haggard’s music and poetic lyrics “has helped to shape the world of country music for nearly five decades.”

Mr. McCartney had been named to receive the Kennedy Center Honors in 2002 but backed out because of a personal obligation.

President Obama and the first lady will host the 2010 honorees at the White House before attending the gala with them at the Kennedy Center.

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