George Strait Accepts 2018 Texan of the Year Award
George Strait humbly accepted the honor of 2018 Texan of the Year for his philanthropic deeds to serve his home state after Hurricane Harvey.
George Strait has earned many accolades to his name and the latest of which is the honor of becoming the 2018 Texan of the Year. Taking the place among former honorees that include U.S. Presidents, Senators, Congressmen, Governors and innovators, the singer couldn’t be more proud to be honored by his home state.
“I’m so proud to have grown up in the great state of Texas and so proud to be here today to accept this unbelievable honor,” said Strait as he accepted the award on Friday, March 23. “Texas is a big place filled with amazingly talented, smart people. How’d I end up here?” a humbled Strait asked the crowd.
NEW BRAUNFELS, TX – MARCH 23: George Strait Honored as Texan of the Year at New Braunfels’ Chamber of Commerce on March 23, 2018 in New Braunfels, Texas. (Photo by R. Diamond/Getty Images for Essential Broadcast Media, LLC)
“Last year was a tough one for our great state,” he continued. “We’re still continuing to recover and with the help of the many loyal, kindhearted Texans, we will get these communities back on their feet again. It’s never surprising, but always amazing how in times of need, how generous the American people can be. I’ve had a great career and always been supported by the people here in Texas. This great honor is the tip top of my list.”
The singer was chosen by the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce for his many contributions to the state of Texas, particularly with his role in the Hurricane Harvey recovery. Immediately following the vast destruction to his homeland, Strait went about organizing the Hand in Hand benefit concert and telethon and enlisted the help of Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen. The benefit went on to raise more than $22 million for hurricane recovery.
NEW BRAUNFELS, TX – MARCH 23: George Strait Honored as Texan of the Year at New Braunfels’ Chamber of Commerce on March 23, 2018 in New Braunfels, Texas. (Photo by R. Diamond/Getty Images for Essential Broadcast Media, LLC)
Strait has much to look forward to in the coming months after his honor when he plays to 50,000 fans at the New Orleans Superdome, before wrapping up 2018 with his final shows in Las Vegas.
