Meryl Streep To Receive Kennedy Center Honor

First Published: September 7, 2011 1:02 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Caption Actress Meryl Streep poses at the 82nd annual Academy Awards Nominee Luncheon at Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 15, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.Neil Diamond has been chosen to receive the Kennedy Center Honors this year along with some of the biggest names from Broadway, jazz, classical music and Hollywood.

The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday says singer Barbara Cook, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, saxophonist Sonny Rollins and actress Meryl Streep will also receive the nation’s highest honors for defining American culture through the arts.

President Barack Obama will salute the artists at a show Dec. 4. It will be broadcast Dec. 27.

Diamond wrote hits that include “America” and “I’m a Believer.” His song “Sweet Caroline” is an anthem at ballparks and bars.

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