Barbra Streisand recently performed her first-ever concert in France...and along the way collected the Legion of Honor. The 65-year-old singer, who has sold more than 71 million records in the United States alone, received the honor June 28 in Paris.
Newly-elected French President Nicolas Sarkozy said "You are the America that we love. Women like you...do a lot to bring our two peoples together."
Sarkozy's wife, Cecilia, attended Streisand's June 26 concert at Paris' Bercy stadium. Streisand told Sarkozy that he reminded her of former U.S. Presidents Kennedy and Clinton, "who appreciated art and recognized the importance of the arts in the world."
Created by Napoleon Bonaparte in the 19th Century, the Legion of Honor is France's elite national merit society. While foreigners may not be inducted into the Legion, they are often made honorary recipients.
Recent honorees include comedian Jerry Lewis, Italian fashion designer Valentino, and U.S. author Norman Mailer.
