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NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – Iconic entertainer George Strait has been named “Texan of the Year” by the Texas Legislative Conference. At the 52nd annual statewide
forum taking place at the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce on
Friday, March 23, Strait joins an array of prominent honorees including
former U.S. Presidents, Senators, Congressmen, Governors and
innovators.
Strait
was recognized for his many contributions to the state of Texas
throughout the years, particularly within the last year for his
role leading recovery efforts following the devastation of Hurricane
Harvey. The Category 4 hurricane ties Hurricane Katrina as the
costliest storm to impact the U.S., inflicting damage of over
$125 billion and displacing more than 30,000 residents.
Strait immediately set
out organizing relief efforts beginning with the “Hand in Hand” Texas
benefit concert and telethon. Calling on friends Chris Stapleton,
Miranda Lambert, Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl
Keen, the concert, broadcast live from The Majestic Theater in San
Antonio last fall, helped directly raise over $22 million towards
hurricane recovery.
“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,” shared Strait who
accepted the award in person. “Texas is a big place filled with
amazingly talented, smart people. How’d I end up up
here?” a humbled Strait asked the crowd. “Last year was a tough one for
our great state. 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.” Strait
continued, “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.”
Robin
Jeffers, New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce Board Chair then surprised
Strait with a proclamation crowing the King of Country with a new title,
"A Prince of the City of a Prince" for his dedication to the betterment
of their community.
Mary
Jane Nalley, a longtime friend of Strait's and an owner of Gruene
Hall noted, “George Strait’s elite work is still ongoing and he sets a
fine example of what Texas and Texans are all about.”
In
addition to spearheading the benefit concert relief efforts last
September, Strait also joined Gov. Greg Abbott in Rockport-Fulton to
bring attention to the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Harvey in the
Coastal Bend Area.
This May, the reigning Texan of the Year is set to perform to over 50,000 fans at the New Orleans Superdome.
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