WSMV Channel 4 Country legend Mel Tillis honored at White House

Country legend Mel Tillis honored at White House

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Posted by Kevin Young - email
NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -

A country music legend is celebrating a big award - and no, it's not a Grammy.

Mel Tillis was among those honored Monday with a National Medal of the Arts at the White House.

Tillis has more than 50 years in the entertainment business as a famed musician, songwriter, comedian, actor, member of the Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

President Barack Obama honored Tillis and the other recipients for leaving an important mark on American culture.

"It's a moment when America has a chance to pay tribute to extraordinary men and women who have excelled in the Arts and the Humanities, and who along the way have left an undeniable mark on American culture," Obama said.

The National Medal of the Arts is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the U.S. government.

Tillis had good company for the award, too. Among the other recipients Monday was actor Al Pacino.

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