Kylie Minogue to receive top French honour

The 39-year-old said: "French culture has influenced me greatly and I have always had colossal respect for the arts and people of France."

She will be honoured at a ceremony in Paris on 5 May.

The singer, who is due to kick off her world tour the following night at the Paris Bercy arena, said: "I am deeply honoured to be recognised in this way."

Christine Albanel, the French minister of culture and communications, will present Minogue with the award.

Previous recipients of the award include Bob Dylan, Meryl Streep and Uma Thurman.

The Order of Arts and Letters was established to recognise artists and writers who have contributed significantly to the arts in France and throughout the world.