Almost 30 years after being awarded one of France's top cultural honours, Stevie Wonder finally showed up to receive the decoration. The R&B legend was formally made a Commander of the National Order of Arts and Letters at a ceremony last weekend.
"As citizen, administrator and culture minister I just called to say we love you," Frederic Mitterand told the 59-year-old. Wonder was named a commander in 1981, but according to the BBC, "scheduling conflicts" prevented him from receiving the honour until now.
Even this time around, Wonder scarcely managed to fit the ceremony into his schedule. The Motown singer was in Paris to receive a lifetime achievement prize at the Victoires de la Musique awards, where he was also performing. "All this in one day, it's almost too much for me. I'm breathless," Wonder said. He dedicated the national honour to his mother, who died in 2006, and "all those who made it possible for me to stand here today".
Established in 1957, the Order of Arts and Letters celebrates those who have made significant artistic contributions both in France and around the world. Previous recipients include Bob Dylan, Marcel Marceau and TS Eliot.
Speaking to the French audience on Saturday, Wonder recalled his first visit to the country in 1964. "I came with my mother," he said. He also commented on US president Obama's push to improve healthcare for tens of millions of uninsured citizens, remarking on France's system. "I'm very encouraged you have it here, in this country," he said. "Don't change."