Gloria Gaynor has described Donald Trump as "very personable and very pleasant".

The 82-year-old disco icon was the only female artist to be recognised at the Kennedy Center Honors this year, as she received the award alongside actor Sylvester Stallone, rockers KISS, country music star George Strait, and Broadway and West End legend Michael Crawford.

She told PEOPLE magazine: "It was wonderful. It was, I mean, like the third or fourth time meeting him.

"I'd met him before, and he's always very personable and very pleasant."

The I Will Survive hitmaker admitted the President of the United States didn't actually tell her the specific reason she received the honour.

She added: "Just that he, you know, believed that my song had done so much for so many people."

Gaynor was stunned that she was noticed by the Kennedy Center board, who were replaced earlier this year with Trump's allies.

Reflecting on the recogngition, she said: "I was in shock. I was literally in shock. Are you serious with me?

"I mean, really, it's so wonderful to be counted among all these other great artists, and with all of their accomplishments. I'm blessed."

At the time he announced the 2025 honourees, Trump hailed Gaynor as "one of the most revered singers of the American disco era".

He added: "I Will Survive is an unbelievable song. I've heard it, you know, like everyone else here, thousands of times.

"And it's one of those few that get better every time you hear it.

"Nobody can sing it like her. And that's an honour. So, Gloria Gaynor, thank you."

Earlier this year, Gaynor opened up on the "biggest misconception" fans have about her.

She told the Metro newspaper: "It may be dangerous to say this, but that I'm a feminist. People say it to me, 'And since you're a feminist…' Um, no. Not really. I love men.

"I grew up with five brothers, and I love men.

"I love men who know who they are and are strong enough to take their place but also strong enough to recognise a woman's strengths and who are able to allow her to exercise those strengths and realise that we are to be partners and not opponents."