Tony winner Lilly Tomlin said in a statement, "I know I don't have to list all of Carol's accolades or the reasons I feel she has earned this high praise from our country-we all love her. I hope you will add your voice to the crescendo and write a letter to the Kennedy Center to nominate Carol. It is time that our country recognizes her brilliance at this most respected event. Thanks in advance for your help and participation!"

Stage and screen veteran Lucie Arnaz added her own chorus of approval: "The woman is a marvel. She is the real deal and always has been. She is entertainment. And Carol Channing has been tirelessly, magnificently and graciously entertaining people of all ages and presidents of any and all political bents for decades and decades. She is a national treasure … I hope you will count this email among your many letters of support to include Ms. Channing before she is not able to enjoy the experience. I know there are many deserving and talented performers each year who deserve to be among your honorees (my mother was, indeed, one of the lucky few to be chosen), but, I think it
would be a blessing and a no brainer to add an icon like Carol Channing to your announcements this year."

Other celebrities who have voiced their support for the campaign include Chita Rivera, Phyllis Diller, Buzz Aldrin, Kate Linder, Tommy Tune, Loni Anderson, Alison Arngrim, Tippi Hedren and Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

You can show your support for Channing at this Facebook page.

You can also view several of Channing's friends, and Channing herself, campaigning for support of arts programs in public schools by clicking here.

— Thomas Peter