US President Donald Trump on Wednesday named "Rocky" star Sylvester Stallone and country music great George Strait among the recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors, as he pursues a controversial overhaul of the storied arts institution.

Disco diva Gloria Gaynor, rock band KISS and British theater star Michael Crawford, known for his indelible turn in the lead role of Broadway staple "Phantom of the Opera," will also receive the Honors, one of the nation's highest arts awards.

Trump announced he himself would host the Honors gala, which usually takes place in early December and is later broadcast on CBS.

"I did not insist, but I think it will be quite successful," he told reporters at the stately white marble complex overlooking the Potomac River.

He also joked that he wanted an honor

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