    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [February 3, 1998]
    [Page 161]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of Roger Stevens
    February 3, 1998

        Hillary and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of our dear
    friend Roger Stevens. He will long be remembered as a defining force in
    America's cultural life.
        As founding chairman of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts,
    Roger can be credited with spotlighting our Nation's Capital as a haven
    for the performing arts. The Kennedy Center, one of America's finest
    cultural showcases, might never have been built if it weren't for
    Roger's dedication and energy. His love of the arts led him to produce
    more than 200 plays, including ``West Side Story,'' ``Bus Stop,'' and
    ``Deathtrap.'' Roger served as the first Chairman of the National
    Endowment for the Arts, and won numerous awards for his dedication to
    highlighting the performing arts, including the Presidential Medal of
    Freedom (1988), the National Medal of Arts (1988), the Kennedy Center
    Honors (1988), and the National Artists' Medal (1983).
        Our Nation is mourning the loss of this important cultural figure.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family in this sad
    time.