Carol Burnett presented Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- The 16th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor was presented to television icon Carol Burnett at a ceremony in Washington.

Burnett, 80, collected the award during a tribute Sunday. The event is to air on PBS stations Oct. 30.

"From her television program and appearances, as well as her performances on Broadway and in film, Carol Burnett has entertained generations of fans with her vibrant wit and hilarious characters," Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein said in a statement when Burnett was announced as the winner weeks ago. "We are delighted to pay tribute to this unique and beloved entertainer."

"I can't believe I'm getting a humor prize from the Kennedy Center. It's almost impossible to be funnier than the people in Washington," Burnett said at the time of the announcement.