George Strait Inducted Into Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame

Miranda Lambert, Don Cook, and Keith Gattis also honored at Austin ceremony

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Country music legends George Strait and Miranda Lambert were inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame by the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association at a ceremony in Austin on Saturday. They were honored alongside veteran songwriter Don Cook and the late Keith Gattis. The event marked the 20th anniversary of the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association awards show, which featured performances by Brooks & Dunn, Parker McCollum, Jamey Johnson and Dean Dillon.

Why it matters

The Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame induction is a prestigious honor that recognizes the immense impact Strait and Lambert have had on country music, particularly in their home state of Texas. Their inclusion highlights the state's rich musical heritage and the outsized influence Texas artists have had on the genre.

The details

Strait and Lambert were presented with the 'Willie' award, which signifies their impact on country music. Lambert said being inducted alongside 'King George' was 'the biggest honor I could ever dream of.' The event also featured the induction of veteran songwriter Don Cook and the late Keith Gattis.

  • The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association awards show took place on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
  • Strait previously played the Moody Center's 2022 grand opening with two sold-out shows.

The players

George Strait

A legendary country music singer-songwriter who was inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Miranda Lambert

A country music star who was also inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame alongside Strait.

Don Cook

A veteran songwriter who was inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Keith Gattis

A late country singer who was posthumously inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Texas Heritage Songwriters Association

The organization that inducted Strait, Lambert, Cook, and Gattis into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame.

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What they’re saying

“Last night was one I will never forget as long as I live. Being inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame along with King George, Keith Gattis and Don Cook was the biggest honor I could ever dream of.”

— Miranda Lambert (Instagram)

“So happy to see George Strait get inducted into the Texas Songwriters HOF last night. So proud for him!”

— Mack Brown, Former Texas Longhorns football coach (X)

What’s next

Strait has announced he will play two nights at Austin's Moody Center on April 9 and 11, with two additional dates added on May 15 and 16 due to overwhelming demand.

The takeaway

The induction of Strait and Lambert into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame underscores the outsized influence that Texas artists have had on country music, cementing the state's reputation as a wellspring of musical talent and innovation.