Dame Shirley Bassey is thrilled as she receives freedom of the city in her hometown of Cardiff
She's carved out a glittering music career spanning over 60 years, releasing huge hits including Goldfinger and Big Spender.
And now Dame Shirley Bassey can add another string to her bow as she's been awarded with the freedom of the city of her hometown of Cardiff on Friday.
The Welsh singer, 82, looked thrilled as she was presented with the accolade by the Lord Mayor of Cardiff during a special ceremony at Cardiff's City Hall.
What an honour: Dame Shirley Bassey has been awarded with the freedom of the city of her hometown of Cardiff on Friday
Shirley was born in Tiger Bay and grew up in Splott. She now resides in Monaco.
The musical legend smiled and waved to the crowd as she arrived at the venue for the event.
Speaking to waiting press and photographers, she said it was a 'proud day', adding that she was 'emotional' and 'nervous.'
She also told ITV Wales that the honour was 'up there with getting her Damehood'.
Big gesture: The Welsh singer, 82, looked thrilled as she was presented with the accolade by the Lord Mayor of Cardiff during a special ceremony at Cardiff's City Hall
So divine: The Diamonds Are Forever hitmaker looked elegant in a patterned midi dress, which she teamed with a chunky silver belt, a black blazer and heels
The Diamonds Are Forever hitmaker looked elegant in a patterned midi dress, which she teamed with a chunky silver belt, a black blazer and heels.
As ever, Shirley was the picture of glamour with her perfectly coiffed hair and make-up applied to perfection.
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Shirley was nominated for the award by council leaders who said the award was in recognition to her 'service to Cardiff, Wales and her patronage of the Noah’s Ark Charity and of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.'
She is reportedly the first ever member of the arts to be given the honour.
Homage: Shirley was nominated for the award by council leaders who said the award was in recognition to her 'service to Cardiff, Wales and her patronage of the Noah’s Ark Charity and of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama'
Thrilled: The Welsh music legend told ITV Wales that the honour was 'up there with getting her Damehood'
Cardiff council leader Huw Thomas said of the singer: 'With a remarkable career spanning over seven decades, Dame Shirley is undoubtedly one of Wales’ greatest exports.
'Presenting her with the honour of Freedom of the City, not only recognises her contribution to music but also acknowledges her continued support for the Welsh arts and her committed patronage to local charity, Noah’s Ark.'
He added: 'Recognised as an international superstar, Dame Shirley has remained proud of her Cardiff roots and Welsh heritage. To name her as an honorary Freewoman of the City, celebrates her links to the city whilst expressing Cardiff’s pride for all that she has achieved.'
Shirley joins other famous faces including Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill in receiving the accolade.
The singer scored her first number one in 1959 and went on to sell 135 million albums throughout her career.
Amazing: Cardiff council leader Huw Thomas said of the singer: 'With a remarkable career spanning over seven decades, Dame Shirley is undoubtedly one of Wales’ greatest exports'
