Debbie Allen and Her Family Pose Together at the Kennedy Center in a New Photo

Debbie Allen took to Instagram to share an epic family photo taken at the Kennedy Center last week. The "Grey's Anatomy" star was recently honored with a medallion during the 2021 Kennedy Center Honors.

Debbie Allen's long career in entertainment is nothing but phenomenal. She started in Broadway before appearing in shows like "Good Times" and "Fame," which garnered her critical acclaim for both acting and choreography.

Rightfully so, her influence and contributions to performing arts and American culture did not go unnoticed. In addition to numerous awards over the years, she was honored with a medallion during the 2021 Kennedy Center Honors.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Allen accepted the prestigious honor in the company of several close family members, including her husband, Norm Nixon, son Norman Nixon Jr., daughter Vivian Nixon, and her two granddaughters.

After receiving her medallion, the "Grey's Anatomy" actress took to Instagram to share an epic photo of herself and her family members in the empty opera house.

The snap featured Allen, wearing a shiny cream gown and her rainbow-colored medallion around her neck, sitting next to her famous sister, Phylicia Rashad. Allen's daughter, Vivian, sat next to them while holding her youngest daughter.

[Allen's] dreams were almost cut short after a heartbreaking rejection when she was a young hopeful.

Behind the three women were several other family members, all dressed to the nines for the special occasion. Allen's husband, Nixon, was captured holding his granddaughter, Vivian's oldest child, Shiloh.

Allen's photo captioned, "Last night with my Family," was one of many photos taken that evening. She also took a picture with her sister, Rashad, who is well-known for her role on "The Cosby Show."

In another image shared on The Kennedy Center's official Instagram page, Allen was featured posing with the other honorees of the night, Garth Brooks, Dick Van Dyke, Joan Baez, and Midori.

ALLEN'S RISE TO THE TOP

Allen's prestigious honor represents the hard work she put during her five-decade-long career. However, not many know that her dreams were almost cut short after a heartbreaking rejection when she was a young hopeful.

In a 2020 interview with People, she recalled being rejected at the North Carolina School of the Arts because of her body type. While she was initially disheartened, she got a second opportunity while attending Howard University.

ALLEN'S PERSONAL LIFE

While Allen's career skyrocketed her into fame and fortune, she is still a family woman. She and her husband have a solid relationship that has lasted 37 years, three children, and two adorable grandchildren.

Allen cherishes her grandchildren, and she is devoted to her role as a grandmother. Last year, in celebration of Grandparents Day, she told Essence that she believes "Grandparents are the heart and soul of so many families."