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Gloria Estefan Praises Trump For Skipping Kennedy Center Honors [VIDEO]

Katie Jerkovich Entertainment Reporter
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Gloria Estefan praised President Donald Trump Monday for skipping the 40th Annual Kennedy Center Honors that took place over the weekend in Washington, D.C.

TMZ caught up with the 60-year-old Cuban-American singer when she arrived at Regan National Airport in D.C. for her flight. (RELATED: ‘All In The Family’ Creator Boycotts Kennedy Center Event Because Of Trump)

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“You know what I am thankful that he [Trump] did that,” Estefan explained when asked about the president not appearing at the honors, something that has only happened four other times. “Because it took away controversy from the mix.”

“And you have somebody like Norman Lear that’s 95 and has worked his whole life to get that award,” she added. “To get it mixed up with the stuff that has nothing to do with the reason we are all there…It was nice of the president to give us that. That was a very nice thing to do.”

At one point in the interview, the “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You” singer shared that the best and most memorable part of the whole evening was when her daughter sang for her at the awards ceremony.

“It doesn’t get better than that,” Estefan said. “That was absolutely mind-blowing.”

Estefan was honored along with LL Cool J, Lionel Richie, Norman Lear and Carmen de Lavallade Sunday night for their accomplishments and contributions to shaping the “cultural life in the United States.”

Earlier this year, the president and first lady announced they would not be participating in this year’s event after the “All in the Family” creator Norman Lear and dancer Carmen de Lavallade said they would boycott a gala held at the White House for the Kennedy Center honorees.

“The President and First Lady have decided not to participate in this year’s activities to allow the honorees to celebrate without any political distraction,” a statement from the White House read. “First Lady Melania Trump, along with her husband President Donald J. Trump, extend their sincerest congratulations and well wishes to all of this year’s award recipients for their many accomplishments.”