AUSTIN, Texas — The LBJ Foundation will honor Texas native Willie Nelson with a prestigious award this May.
According to the foundation, Nelson will receive the "LBJ Liberty and Justice for All Award." All proceeds during a gala tribute on May 12 will go towards the "Willie Nelson Endowment for Uplifting Rural Communities" at the University of Texas at Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs.
The foundation stated that Nelson is a "lifelong advocate for farmers, alleviating food insecurity and support for rural communities" and that he embodies President Lyndon B. Johnson's commitment to public service, "particularly in the areas of farming and food security."
“Willie Nelson is a national treasure who gained fame through his sheer musical talent and won hearts as someone who truly cares about the lives of his fellow Americans. A product of rural Texas, Willie has never forgotten where he comes from," said Larry Temple, chairman of the LBJ Foundation's Board of Trustees. "His longtime efforts to raise money and awareness for family farmers through Farm Aid and numerous other endeavors to help those in need throughout his career make him a true inspiration."
This Willie Nelson Endowment will help fund research and fellowships that focus on sustainable agriculture, eliminating hunger, resilient energy, sustainable water and natural disaster recovery for rural and farm communities.
Nelson will join former recipients of the LBJ Liberty and Justice for All Award, including President George H. W. Bush, President Jimmy Carter, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and many others.
The award will be presented at the gala tribute dinner at the LBJ Presidential Library on May 12.