Soul singer Al Green, '9 to 5' star Lily Tomlin and ballet dancer Patricia McBride were also saluted at the White House ahead of a gala concert.
Sting, 63, said it was "rare" for an Englishman to receive the honour, reported CNN online.
"I'm not sure when I'll wear it again, but I think I look rather fetching in it," he said of his rainbow ribbon.
The former Police frontman is set to join the cast of his Broadway musical 'The Last Ship', about shipbuilding in the north east of England.
Tomlin, 75, also admitted she had been surprised by her selection, saying she had "never been privy to the insider's circle".
The event preceded a concert at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts which saw Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen and Bruno Mars sing Sting's hits.
The John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has been honouring stars of the stage, screen and concert hall since 1978.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
