Bette Midler was celebrated as one of the honorees at the 44th Kennedy Center Honors, which took place on December 5, 2021, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. This annual event recognizes artists for their lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts, and Midler was joined by fellow honorees Berry Gordy, Joni Mitchell, Lorne Michaels, and Justino Díaz. The ceremony marked a return to tradition after the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a full in-person gala attended by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden—the first presidential attendance since 2016.
Midler, often referred to as “The Divine Miss M,” was honored for her extraordinary career spanning over five decades, encompassing music, film, television, and Broadway. Her tribute highlighted her versatility and impact, from her early days performing in New York’s gay bathhouses to her Grammy-winning music career (with hits like “Wind Beneath My Wings” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”), her Oscar-nominated film roles in The Rose and For the Boys, and her Tony-winning performance in the 2017 revival of Hello, Dolly!. The Kennedy Center praised her as “an artistic tour de force” who has entertained millions with her voice and comedic wit.
The tribute segment for Midler during the gala was a star-studded affair. Goldie Hawn, her co-star from The First Wives Club, introduced her, calling her a “superpower goddess” who can make audiences laugh and cry simultaneously. Barbara Hershey, her Beaches co-star, and Scarlett Johansson also paid homage, with Johansson narrating a video tribute. Performances included Beanie Feldstein, Kate Baldwin, and Taylor Trensch—castmates from Hello, Dolly!—singing “Friends,” Kelli O’Hara delivering a stirring “Wind Beneath My Wings,” and Billy Porter performing a medley of “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “From a Distance” with a gospel twist. Melissa Manchester, a longtime friend, joined in, reflecting on their shared history.
The event began with a White House reception hosted by President Biden, who singled out Midler, saying, “People will never forget how you make them feel. That’s your gift, it’s incredible.” The gala itself, hosted by David Letterman, was filmed for a CBS broadcast that aired on December 22, 2021, showcasing the performances and tributes. Midler, then 76, expressed her gratitude on the red carpet, humorously noting to reporters, “I’m a low-end performer… And yet people like that. They really enjoyed it. So hey, I’m beloved!” Her Kennedy Center Honor cemented her legacy as a beloved icon whose work has left an indelible mark on American entertainment.