National anthem sung in Navajo at home Jazz Game

Honey, a member of the Navajo Nation (second from left), performed the National Anthem in her native language and dress at Utah Jazz game on April 6, 2023. Honey captioned this photo "these three people push me to my limits, they love me and care for me, they protect me and keep me shielded these three are my backbone and my strength." Photo: Courtesy of Honey (Facebook)

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Rhonda Duvall, a member of the Navajo Nation who goes by the stage name “Honey,” sang the national anthem in her native language in front of a capacity crowd at yesterday’s Utah Jazz game at the Vivint Arena.

Honey’s performance received a standing ovation. 

She wrote on her Facebook page, “Last night was everything I’ve worked my entire life for I’ve sang at REAL soccer games, Powwows, College graduations etc… but I never sang and repped my family, loves ones and community at a Jazz Game!!! it was a beautiful experience, stressful, yet beautiful. I cried as I was finishing the song, the emotions were over the top and I knew it was exactly what I’ve been needing, that release all my peoples were there, see y’all at U of U powwow this weekend.”

The Jazz players stood in a line side by side with each other’s arms on their teammates shoulders listening as intently as the standing spectators during the performance.