Press Release

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Thanks to Texas-based sponsors, including retailer H-E-B, Willie Nelson’s advocacy for rural America and those in need will be the focus of a new endowment

AUSTIN, TX – The LBJ Foundation is presenting its highest honor, the LBJ Liberty & Justice for All Award, to Texas singer-songwriter and legend Willie Nelson at a gala that features musical performances by Eric Church, Sam Hunt, Elle King and Lyle Lovett. 

A lifelong advocate for farmers, alleviating food insecurity, and supporting rural communities, Nelson embodies President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s commitment to providing opportunity to all. Perhaps his best-known cause, Farm Aid, has raised more than $70 million in aid and helped increase awareness about the plight of family farms.

To build on Nelson’s good work and honor his legacy, net proceeds from the sold-out gala will benefit the newly established Willie Nelson Endowment for Uplifting Rural Communities at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, a part of The University of Texas at Austin. This endowment ensures that Willie’s advocacy will continue.

The endowment has received $100,000 sponsorships from President and Mrs. Johnson’s daughters, Lynda Johnson Robb and Luci Baines Johnson, as well as Texas retailer

H-E-B, which is the largest private employer in Texas. Opening its doors 115 years ago, H-E-B remains committed to helping every community it serves. 

“No three have cared more about rural Texas than LBJ, H-E-B and Willie Nelson,” says Luci Baines Johnson. “Thank you for helping us get ‘On the Road Again’ for rural America and continuing Willie’s legacy of helping farmers and those in need.” 

Additional sponsors include Tito’s Handmade Vodka and JP’s Peace Love & Happiness Foundation.

Media Contact

Anne Wheeler, LBJ Foundation
[email protected] 
512 731-2351