U2 singer Bono has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest US civilian honour.
The Dublin-born artist and activist is among 19 people from across politics, sports, entertainment and other fields to be given the honour from the outgoing US President Joe Biden.
Bono (64) is set to receive the award at a ceremony on Saturday.
The White House said in a statement: “President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else”.
It added that those chosen for the award “have made America a better place”.
“They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world,” the statement said.
Other famous faces to receive the award are basketball legend Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, soccer star Lionel Messi, actors Denzel Washington, Back To The Future actor and Parkinson’s campaigner Michael J Fox, and fashion designer Ralph Lauren.
US politician Hillary Clinton and Vogue magazine editor-in-chief Dame Anna Wintour will also be given the honour.
The medal was first established by President John F Kennedy, whose brother Robert has also been posthumously granted the award this year.
Bono has previously been given the highest cultural honour of France, the Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in 2013, was named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year in 2005, and was awarded an honorary British knighthood in 2007.
He is known for campaigning against poverty and supporting those with HIV/Aids.
Acclaimed rockers U2 have recently been holding a residency at a high-tech new immersive venue in Las Vegas.
