May 5, 2008 15:10

Kylie Minogue receives top French cultural honour

Singer presented with Order of Arts and Letters award in Paris

Kylie Minogue was presented with the Order of Arts and Letters award in Paris today (May 5).

The award is France's most esteemed arts award, given to artists and writers who have contributed to arts in the country and around the world. Bob Dylan, Meryl Streep and David Bowie are among those who have previously received the honour.

At the ceremony in the French capital the country's culture minister Christine Albanel described Minogue as a "Midas of the international music scene who turns everything she touches into gold."

Albanel made reference to Minogue's recent battle with breast cancer, saying, "I want to publicly salute the courage you showed by revealing publicly that you had cancer. Doctors now even go as far as saying there is a 'Kylie effect' that encourages young women to have regular checks."

BBC News reports that after receiving the award the singer said, "I feel so grateful that I have had so many moments in my life that I have experienced and loved that are thanks to this country and the people here."