Bette Midler To Receive The 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize

One of the world’s best-loved entertainers and humanitarians will accept the award on Oct. 16 at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa…

Woody Guthrie was one of America’s most celebrated Folk musicians. But, music was not only his forte, he desired to ignite social change and institute values of justice, equality, and compassion. So, when it came time to determine who would receive the 2026 Woody Guthrie prize, the Woody Guthrie Center chose actor, comedian, and humanitarian Bette Midler.

With a 50+ year career, Midler has captivated the world with her talents, and for speaking up on issues from the environment, to public spaces, and other humanitarian causes. Midler will receive the prize on October 16th at the Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“I am so honored to have been chosen to receive the Woody Guthrie Prize this year. I loved his music, and I loved the way he lived his life, always seeking to spread the word that justice could and should be served and that every American, no matter what their station, deserved a fair shake in life,” explains Midler in announcement notes.

Rising Country singer Bryan Andrew | Image supplied

Also attending will be Cady Shaw and members of the Guthrie family. Rising Country singer Bryan Andrew will do a special solo acoustic performance. His music and three-cords and the truth storytelling have caught the attention of social media.

“To receive an honor bearing the name of a man who fought the giants with nothing but a guitar and a clean conscience is a humbling thing, and it serves as a stark reminder that a writer’s true business is always to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable,” continues Midler. “The struggle for fairness and justice never ends, and he is one of the greatest Americans we were ever lucky enough to have among us to light the way. 

Midler recently re-recorded Guthrie’s song “All You Fascists Bound To Lose,” as a way to honor the iconic artist. “What I love about Bette Midler is that she is one of the rare artists that bring joy, laughter and love to the Good Fight!,” says Nora Guthrie, Woody’s daughter. “Always on the side of people that are historically unseen or ignored, Bette brings all of them to our attention. Using everything she's got — a song, a dance, a film, a good joke — all her talents are directed towards one goal, to support the often-precarious lives of others.”

Past recipients of the Woody Guthrie Prize include Pete Seeger, Mavis Staples, Kris Kristofferson, Norman Lear, John Mellencamp, Chuck D, Joan Baez, Bruce Springsteen, Pussy Riot, Tom Morello and U2. 

“Her participation in this event, our most important fundraiser of the year, will ensure our educational programs, events and exhibits remain possible and accessible,” says Cady Shaw, Senior Director of the Woody Guthrie Center. “I’m honored to be part of an event that celebrates artists whose music has shaped so many lives. Woody Guthrie’s legacy continues to inspire songwriters everywhere, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be involved. History will be told and it will be told through art.”

Tickets will go on sale exclusively to Woody Guthrie Center members on Aug. 28, 2026. To become a member, visit www.woodyguthriecenter.org. Membership and ticket proceeds will fund the center's 2028 educational programming, public events, exhibitions and outreach. For sponsorship and other support opportunities, contact support@woodyguthriecenter.org. For general event inquiries, contact info@woodyguthriecenter.org.

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