Zykina has been loved and cherished by the changing Russian leaders, and was one of the few honored artists who were permitted to go abroad. The singer remembers having traveled through the USSR at least six times and having visited more than 92 foreign countries.

In order to show their respect, the ruling elite awarded their favorite vocalist with several prestigious awards: the Badge of Honor, the Order of Lenin, the Diploma of the Russian Government and many others.

On her 80th anniversary, Lyudmila Zykina was congratulated by the Russian President and Prime Minister in the Kremlin. The national artist of the USSR said she dreams of a very special present: a hall for rehearsals and a song.

“I’ve celebrated many anniversaries,” Zykina recalled. “But this year it is not just my jubilee, I share it with my audience and with my native country.”

Zykina is set to go on a grandiose concert tour that will last for two months and cover more than 20 major Russian cities.

The experienced singer revealed she is not going to prepare for the concerts: “I’ve had enough time during more than 60 years on stage to get everything fixed.”