Trump Honors 7 Celebs at the Kennedy Center – Viewers Can’t Recognize One Legend & Speculate About Plastic Surgery

This year’s Kennedy Center Honors delivered both recognition and unexpected attention as President Donald Trump hosted the 2025 honorees at the White House.

The ceremony kicked off on December 6, with Trump awarding the traditional medals and praising the group—Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, Michael Crawford, and Kiss—as an extraordinary lineup of cultural figures.

But once event photos circulated online, much of the public focus shifted to Stallone. Dressed in a sharp black tuxedo and using a cane, he drew widespread speculation about his appearance, with many questioning whether he had recently undergone cosmetic work.

At the gala the following night, Stallone addressed at least part of the curiosity, noting that his cane was the result of multiple back surgeries over the years. Despite this, he walked confidently and attended the event with his wife, Jennifer Flavin.

The Kennedy Center soon shared its official portrait of all honorees, prompting supportive reactions from fans who celebrated the artists for their decades of influence.

The redesigned 2025 medal—created by Tiffany & Co.—features a gold disc on a navy ribbon, adding a fresh visual identity to the tradition.

Presenting the award, Trump emphasized the impact each honoree has had on American entertainment, saying their work has shaped major chapters in music, theater, and cultural history.