Kristy Lee Pulls Out of Kennedy Center Over Political Branding
Mobile, AL — Alabama songwriter Kristy Lee has announced the cancellation of her upcoming performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts citing concerns for institutional integrity.
The Kennedy Center was established by Congress as a nonpartisan national cultural institution, honoring President John F. Kennedy’s belief that the arts are essential to democracy, free expression, and the public good. Recent efforts to impose political branding on the Center represent a departure from that mission and compromise the independence such an institution requires.
As an artist, Kristy believes publicly funded cultural spaces must remain free from political capture, self-promotion, or ideological pressure. Performing under these circumstances would conflict with the values of artistic freedom, public trust, and constitutional principles that the Kennedy Center was created to uphold.
This decision is not directed at the Center’s dedicated staff, artists, or patrons, whose work and commitment to the arts remain deeply respected. Rather, it is a statement in defense of the Center’s founding purpose and the ethical responsibility shared by artists who grace its stage.
The Kennedy Center is more than a venue—it is a living memorial to a fallen president. “The Center was created to honor art, culture, and shared national purpose,” Kristy said. “Using it for personal promotion diminishes its meaning and erodes the dignity owed to the legacy of a fallen president.”
For press inquiries, please contact:
Tauna Pierce
Media Kit
Kristy Lee Withdraws from Kennedy Center Performance
Alabama folk artist cites artistic integrity and the founding mission of public arts spaces.
This Media Kit is provided to offer clear context around Kristy Lee’s decision to withdraw from her scheduled Kennedy Center performance. Below are Kristy’s own public statements — available for quotation — addressing the cancellation, her gratitude to supporters, and her message to fellow artists. While Kristy’s schedule is very full and interview availability is limited, we invite press and audiences to experience her work directly during an upcoming online concert.
Kristy’s statement on the Kennedy Center cancellation
Public arts spaces should be free from political influence. I step back out of respect for artistic freedom and the Kennedy Center’s founding mission, not in opposition to its staff, artists, or audience.
Message to supporters
Art shows us who we are, but it also brings us back to each other. It’s the fire we gather around when the world feels loud. I’m grateful for everyone who has supported and shared that light with me.
Message to fellow artists
To my fellow artists: use your voice as kindly as you can, and as loud as you need to. When an institution meets conscience with retaliation instead of reflection, it reveals exactly what it has become. No stage or paycheck is worth the cost of integrity.
Upcoming performance
Showing Up: From the Kennedy Center to the Couch
January 14, 2026 -- 9 pm EST
DETAILS
Interview availability
Kristy’s schedule is a little full at the moment. Interview availability is limited due to creative commitments, and protecting her health as she continues to live with MS. Select media requests will be considered as scheduling allows.
Kristy invites press and audiences to experience her work directly during her upcoming online concert.
Booking & press inquiries
For tour information, please contact Missy Sebastian - missy@kristyleemusic.com
For performance bookings, please contact Michael Paz - michael@thepazgroup.com
For media requests or additional information, please contact: Tauna Pierce - outreach@kristyleemusic.com