Dick Van Dyke, Joan Baez Receive Kennedy Center Honors

Thanks to the pandemic, the ceremony was long delayed from its usual December date, and performances were before a socially distanced crowd of about 120 people. The 43rd Kennedy Center Honors airs on CBS June 6 at 8 p.m. ET. Get ready for the gala by catching up with the inductees, right here.

The indefatigable Dick Van Dyke

Van Dyke, who tap-danced on a tabletop in the 2018 Mary Poppins Returns, showed a CBS reporter his exercise routine, saying, “All you old guys out there, listen to me: you can keep going for a long [time] — I’m still dancing and singing. I’m looking forward to 100. George Burns made it, and I’m gonna do it, too!” Insiders predict that he’ll be inducted by Chita Rivera, 88, who jump-started his career by letting him sing “Put On a Happy Face” when they costarred in Bye Bye Birdie in 1960.

The grateful and gracious Garth Brooks, Debbie Allen and Midori

Country singer-songwriter Brooks felt lucky to be in the Kennedy Center winner’s circle, saying, “I don’t mind being the weak link on the chain. I’m in the chain!” Actually, he is the number 1 best-selling solo musician in U.S. history. Allen, who has choreographed and directed for Lena Horne, Michael Jackson and Dolly Parton, said, “This glorious achievement I share with my family, mentors and students who have inspired and pushed me all the way.” Said Midori: “I am thrilled to be a recipient of one of this year’s Kennedy Center Honors as we, together, reach toward renewed expression of the dreams and hopes that unify us all.”