It was truly a special evening for Lauryn Hill.
On Sunday, June 28, the 51-year-old American singer and rapper marked a major career milestone as she was honored with the Living Legend Icon Award at the 2026 BET Awards, held at the Peacock Theater.
According to BET, the Living Legend Icon Award celebrates “the pioneers who mastered their craft and never let go of the culture.”
While the esteemed achievement was enough to make Lauryn Hill feel special, it was the touching tributes from her children that truly made the moment emotional.
Lauryn Hill receives warm hug from son Zion on stage
After Lauryn Hill was presented with the prestigious honor, her son, John Nesta Marley, made his way to join the singer on stage and warmly hugged his mum.
Following a heartwarming moment with her son, the Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You singer addressed the audience and spoke about her six children – John, Zion, Selah, Joshua, Sara, and Micah – saying that they inspired her to create her iconic debut album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
"When I made The Miseducation [of Lauryn Hill], I was inspired by you. Know that. I was inspired by the beauty. I was inspired by our potential. I knew it was possible. I dreamed it. I saw it, and I had to manifest it through song. Thank you so much, and I'm so glad that you love the music. Love and respect y'all. God bless you,” she stated.
Lauryn Hill’s daughter Selah pays her special tribute
At the 2026 BET Awards, Lauryn Hill’s daughter, Selah Marley, honored her mum with a special performance by belting out The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill as part of a massive 20-minute tribute, which left the Ready or Not hitmaker in tears in the audience.
Lauryn Hill delivers heartfelt speech after receiving Living Legend Icon Award
In her heartwarming acceptance speech after being honored with BET Living Legend Icon Award, Lauryn Hill said, "I do this because I love y'all. You know? I do this because I want you to have everything that I experienced."
Speaking fondly about her loving parents and how they influenced her, the singer stated, "I had wonderful parents who loved on me, poured into me and protected me. And once I realized that not everybody got to have that experience, I felt like it was my duty, my responsibility to share as much love and to pour into [as] much people as I possibly could. Music was a way for me to do that."
During her heartwarming speech, the Nothing Even Matters songstress spoke about standing up for others and emphasized that her fight for people is also a fight for herself, her family, and her community.
She also encouraged the younger generation to value their unique talents, reminding them that every gift has the power to make a difference.
"All of our differences, all of our uniqueness, that's the beauty, y'all. We don't have to sound the same. We don't have to look the same. We don't have to be the same. I'm an artist here, but you know what? I'm a mother. My son John celebrates his 23rd birthday today, and he gave us permission to do this,” added Hill.
Lizzo, Queen Latifah and others pay Lauryn Hill warm tributes
At the 2026 BET Awards, several A-list artists paid Lauryn Hill a series of special tributes to honor her legacy and the prestigious Living Legend Icon Award she received during the ceremony.
A selection of songs, mostly from The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, was performed by Lizzo, Rapsody, Doja Cat, Common, and Queen Latifa.
