The event marks the last Kennedy Center Honors for President Biden, who attended each year he was in office. Presidents have historically attended the annual event, which has taken place since 1978. The notable exception was President Trump, who skipped the ceremony in 2017 after honoree Norman Lear threatened to boycott. Trump did not attend any subsequent ceremony.

At the 2024 event, Biden delivered remarks about the honorees, calling the Grateful Dead, “Technical virtuosos fiercely dedicated to their craft,” adding, “They fused decades and dozens of musical styles to create a whole new American sound. Experimental, innovative and brave.” The Dead’s Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart, and Bob Weir were in attendance, while Phil Lesh was represented by his son Grahame, and Jerry Garcia’s daughter Trixie attended.

The Grateful Dead was honored with remarks from David Letterman and performances from Dave Matthews, Sturgill Simpson, and others, while Brandi Carlile and Sheryl Crow performed for Bonnie Raitt. George Lucas, Martin Scorsese, and Robert De Niro spoke about Francis Ford Coppola, while Dave Chappelle and Raye honored the Apollo. Trombone Shorty and Chucho Valdez performed for Arturo Sandoval.