Pop legend Lili Ivanova receives Golden Laurel Branch award

Bulgarian pop legend Lili Ivanova has been awarded the “Golden Laurel Branch”, the highest distinction from the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in recognition of her contribution to promoting Bulgaria’s image abroad through culture.

Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev presented the award at a ministry ceremony, describing it as an expression of institutional gratitude for Ivanova's longstanding artistic career and international acclaim.

This honour comes ahead of her 24 May concert at the Olympia Hall in Paris, which is scheduled to take place on the Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius — a date of great symbolic importance in Bulgarian culture.

Visibly moved, Ivanova said that recognition from a Bulgarian state institution held special meaning for her. “There is nothing behind us; everything is in the future,” she said, outlining her personal philosophy of looking forward and maintaining strict discipline in her work.

Previous recipients of the “Golden Laurel Branch” include politicians, diplomats and public figures who have contributed to promoting Bulgaria abroad. Ivanova is among the first leading cultural figures to receive the distinction.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

Edited and posted in English by E. Radkova