The Kennedy Center Honors w. Lucille Ball (1986)

The Kennedy Center Honors - from December of 1986. This is the opening segment plus tributes to Lucille Ball. Desi Arnaz had died just 5 days before this show was taped in Washington, DC. When Robert Stack reads Desi's words, Lucy is visibly shaken.

[@tozomona]

Desi should've been honored!!! He was a brilliant pioneer in TV. A brilliant businessman and artist. Much respect to both.

[@terryprideaux]

When Robert Stack read the speech from Desi. Lucy lost it. It truly showed her love for Desi.

[@lissalives1]

She had less than 3 years left to live here, so I’m so thrilled they gave her a standing ovation! ♥️

[@romanclay1913]

12:39 Robert Stack reading the recently deceased Desi Arnez's letter to Lucy, the most lyrical and touching moment. Lucy's reaction says it all.

[@tozomona]

I really wish Desi would have been honored like this. He really deserves the honor.

[@Donald-ml5xv]

Desi had just died earlier that month. What a beautiful tribute to her. Even with Gary Morton sitting behind her she couldn't hide the love she still felt for him.

[@williamshryock1784]

Actually, he died 5 days before ... and yes, she was at his side with Gary I've heard. There were some questions about whether she'd do the Kennedy Center - but there she was ... strength in all situations ... [PS she's the reason we got Star Trek BTW]

[@kenscar]

Wow Ray Charles and Lucille Ball together - that's something

[@Pureimagination200]

They loved each till the end. Desi said in a interview Lucy was the love of his life till he died.

[@amythehuntress]

The look of awe and gratitude on her face during the standing ovation speaks volumes about her humility. She was a wonderful woman. More ladies should BLL (be like Lucy).

[@StevenBarryVideos]

So true - Humility is the perfect word! And she just suffered the loss of Desi Aranz 5 days before tapping this ceremony. On top of that, her tv show 'Life With Lucy' was canceled a month before this. So it was a deeply sad time for Lucy. She said in interviews that receiving this prestigious award came at the perfect time....it kept her going!

[@carmenvallone1247]

Linda Vallone I have loved Lucy since I was a child even though I have seen I Love Lucy reruns countless times her show is timeless and forever funny! RIP Lucy and thanks for the joy you brought to millions of people around the world!

[@JerkyPuck]

Bea Arthur drops the octave like nobody ever!

[@musiclove4635]

Heartbreaking to know that Desi had still loved Lucy.

[@XX-gy7ue]

she did have looks and talent but THE REASON SHE'S​ LOVED TO THIS DAY BY MILLIONS IS THE WAY SHE PORTRAYED A SOFT AND TRUE HEART !

[@boblowney]

okay, her tasting vitametavegimen is simply the funniest expression on tv, still!

[@Lisaj4431]

My Granddaughter was named after Lucille Ball and she has the best sense of humour

[@jonathon1205]

Lucy tries to hold herself as a written note by Desi is read. Her eyes tell the story, even though her composure is relatively not changed.

[@community1949]

Just look at all the wonderful W W 2 generation we've lost since 1986. Now these people were REAL stars, had real talent, and real glamour. Look at Hollywood now, no comparison.

[@MozeyB2]

Nancy Desch Why cant we just enjoy the people of the past without constantly saying this one is better than this one. Just enjoy the show, there are plenty of amazing actors today, they work hard just like the ones of the past give everyone credit where credit is due.

[@mmjhcb]

@@MozeyB2 You're wrong. The people today are pale shadows of these greats.

[@andreapena9390]

To see Desi and her footages, heard his voice, and plus the letter it was too much for her :’(

[@kayedeedid]

am I the only one who cried at Desi's letter?

[@MrVidaeverdade]

Nope, you aren't. :( It was particularly poignant because Desi had just died a few days before this. Lucy had just been at his funeral and almost immediately flew to DC to accept this honor. He feelings were very raw.

[@njman1967]

Desi had passed away just under a week when this first aired.

[@mlou3337]

No. I am totally losing it right now.

[@jodemarc8493]

You're not.... I cried, too.

[@PatrickGallagher2269]

I mean I've seen this so many times and am still crying

[@kareno6222]

Her face at that moment says it all- Lucy loved Desi ❤️

[@stephanieschade1529]

Absolutely no one ever forgets their first love

[@MrVidaeverdade]

He wasn't her first love, but he was the love of her life.

[@LaoSoftware]

The love of her life? That's so gross. Desi was a cheater. How can anyone love a cheater?

[@jstasur]

LaoSoftware Oh, I don't know; ask Jesus, he loves your cheating ass ... and mine.

[@MrVidaeverdade]

Lucy and Desi both had their faults in the marriage. But whatever, she still loved him and he loved her back, which probably didn't thrill their respective spouses (Gary Morton called Desi his "ex husband-in-law"). Go listen to Lucie Arnaz describe the last phone call Lucy made to Desi, just two days before he died. Go listen to anyone who worked with Lucille Ball talk about how Lucy and Desi had regular weekly phone calls all those years after their divorce, and how they could always tell it was Desi on the phone from the look in Lucy's eyes and the change in the tone of her voice. About how Desi would often just show up on the set of her later TV series and hang out. And you see it here in this video in the tears in her eyes. Love isn't always logical, it can't always be quenched. Love just is.

[@sergueiserboz4185]

My god, I´ve forgot how stunning beautiful she was, she made me laugh as a kid and as very grown up guy....Regards from Argentina

[@stevelubin6533]

I remember watching this when it first aired. I loved Lucy since I was a kid and now Im a great grandpa and I STILL love Lucy!

[@photo161]

Certainly the most beloved woman in all of TV history,; the great, the inimitable, and forever the funniest...We all love Lucille Ball!

[@el705]

Lucy had talent beyond and beyond.

[@michaelmiller1215]

The Gold Standard of Comedy

[@MovieJon]

Pam's dress is dripping with '80s excess, but Valerie and Bea are looking terrific (and as these things go that number was clever in its use of songs pertaining to Ms. Ball.) The reading of Desi's words was VERY touching, especially at that particular moment in time.

[@micahrichards2216]

When I was a kid, Lucy was the one person of all people that I wanted to meet. And I’ll never forget that sunny spring day in April when my grandmother told me she’d died. I was just a 14 year old kid at the time, and I sat alone in the carport and cried. I truly did LOVE Lucy, and I still do. I now have a 12 year old daughter and I love to see her loving Lucy as much as I do. My heart still hurts when I think about her being gone, but I know someday God will introduce us. I Miss You Lucy. ❤️🥲❤️🥲

[@karenritchie3492]

I miss her so much... I have got CD of all her shows and movies... I so wish she could still be with us..

[@leeinvegas]

The world loved Lucy

[@billjohnston1489]

I have loved this beautiful lady for 50 years she is outstanding she truly is one of a kind god bless you Lucille Ball

[@laurenlongfellow9714]

Desi died 5 days before this 😭 You could tell they always had love and respect for each other.

[@patsanders919]

Yes I remember Lucille Ball when I was a little girl she was the most funniest and beautiful lady I ever saw in my life I love her so much may she rest in peace and I love her God bless her family

[@GoLakers20111]

She was the Bravest Female in 20th Century History and the First Comedian Female Actor in Television History that Change the Whole world that Women can do what Men can do and Lucy Brought that to the World and Telling Women that they don't Just Stay Home Clean and Cook while waiting their Husbands Come Back from Work Woman Can Go to work like Men do I Love Lucy The Queen of Comedy Female Actor.

[@reginabaker567]

This is a good introduction to remembered Lucille Ball as a pioneer that trial the way for many unknown comedians.Because it allows them to pays tribute to Lucille Ball in a way in which she deserves to honor. For example of this particular introduction is one of the reasons why " I Love Lucy" became known as the well-known show national and international. I not only came to love being called a number fan of the show as a child but I still watch the " I Love Lucy " as an adult. Although many things have changed since the show ended, I could barely see such tributes presented to Lucille Ball without Desi Arnaz being there. But there is one thing that I remembered paying tributes to Lucille Ball during the Kennedy Center Honors when Robert Stack reads Desi Arnaz's speech pertaining to Lucy.

[@LuisPerez-zk2ti]

That love for Daisy was so pure and strong love that she did tree years laters

[@johnedwardjones999]

Almost never missed any Lucy TV show and watched reruns numerous time. A friend of mine in LA was a theatre major at USC. Lucy was one of his teachers. He always said wonderful things about her and was honored to have been in her class.

[@chriscanale9535]

love lucy

[@Amberszone]

Lucy is so CLASSY! Bea Arthur was very vocal SLAMMING Lucy in the picture Mame countless times & expressed regret for taking her part in the film as costar. I PERSONALLY would have been offended having Bea have ANYTHING to do with my Kennedy Center Honors - hence Class! I ❤️ Lucy xo

[@garykleinberger3704]

Fantastic nice salute to my fav lucy

[@boblowney]

loved her comment about owning rio. she said, no, I did not walk around that studio when I was young and say oh one day I will own this. it was simply the need to expand for my show. sh

[@2dasimmons]

Wow! Was the RAY CHARLES up there in honoree section? I'll have to look up Kennedy Center Honors of this ICON. RIP RAY CHARLES ND LUCILLE BALL.

[@2dasimmons]

Thanks for this upload Chronic Nostalgia and for letting us know about Desi Arnav passing just before this.

[@beverlywaits5843]

I HEAR You STEVE LUBIN😁IM A GRANDMOTHER And I TOO LOVE LUCY , TO THIS DAY!🙂🙂

[@jacquemccoy4511]

Wonderful!👍

[@corra7]

Today Desi would have gone to therapy and all would be well! They loved each other for sure!

[@gabrielguzman6018]

Must of been hard because this was the same year dezi died

[@yaywhewclips242]

She does 3 yrs later on my B-Day Apr 26

[@donnalromero4481]

Historic and So Missed! God Help U.S.

[@reneebraxton1032]

I Love Lucy! I really do. ❤

[@robinluich6626]

My mother laughed her butt off at Lucy

[@meganagetro6302]

We can see her emotions, when he reads Desi’s words. It’s sad the other three members of the cast had passed at this point. 🥲

[@kkampy4052]

Walter Cronkite was the best, above reproach. You never knew his political leanings.

[@salparadise5335]

He was a fucking liberal Democrat... fact.

[@kkampy4052]

Dan Tee maybe he was, but you could never tell it by his public persona.

[@CaptainSpalding72]

K Kampy I just said what they were. Listen to any interview and you know how he goes

[@eightinches6094]

@ Dan....so what's wrong with being a "fucking liberal Democrat"? I don't think anyone would care anyway. Just like nobody would care what you are.

[@2dasimmons]

Yes, he was an ICON. May he RIP.

[@raramonty5217]

How awsome to rewatch this also alittle sad as Pam Dawber is the only one still alive.

[@Retroearthling]

republican president at kennedy center honors and it was all pleasant. We can't even be in the same room anymore. WTF happened to America? It's social media and 24 news. Sad. .... Ohhhhhhh!!!!!! and evil orange billionaires from NY.

[@zakbutler2683]

12:45 is that Lena Horne?!

[@StevenBarryVideos]

Zak Butler yes. I think it is Lena!!!

[@alexaraya2018]

13:18 man that was a low blow

[@boblowney]

RKO not rio, sorry!

[@jl3322]

Why was Walter Mattheu doing this tribute?

[@harbyspecter5639]

Most of people in this trubute is dead now.