George Strait Named 2018 Texan of the Year
George Strait is receiving a significant honor from his home state of Texas. The country superstar has been named the 2018 Texan of the Year by the Texas Legislative Conference.
The conference is an organization composed of business and political leaders in Texas who gather to work out public policy issues and other important matters relating to the state, in addition to honoring residents that have made a positive impact. Strait joins an elite group of Texans ranging from governors to presidents who have received the honor in the past.
The country star is more than deserving of such an honor with his incomparable career that spans more than three decades and includes more than 60 No. 1 hits, sales of 70 million albums and countless CMA and ACM Awards. But it was his charity work in 2017 that put him over the top for the Texan of the Year honor.
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"No one has done more than George Strait to raise awareness and funds for the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts," says conference chair Doug Miller in a press release. "He put his well-earned reputation on the line and asked not only his fellow Texans to step up, but all Americans. And they have."
The "Amarillo by Morning" singer held his portion of the nation-wide Hand in Hand benefit concert for relief aid for victims of Hurricane Harvey and Irma at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, with the broadcast raising a total of $44 million. Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen joined Strait during the Texas broadcast. He also participated in the Country Rising benefit show in Nashville, which raised an additional $4 million for victims of the hurricanes and the mass shooting in Las Vegas.
The country legend is set to receive his Texan of the Year award at the official ceremony in New Braunfels, Texas, at the New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center on March 22.
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