(AP) - LeeAnn Rimes says it's an honor to be chosen to sing the national anthem at this year's Indianapolis 500.

The veteran country music star's participation in the event was announced by race officials. Rimes has been on the country scene since she dropped her first national hit in 1996 - when she was just 13. May 25 will mark the race's 98th running.

The pre-race events will also mark the last time actor and singer Jim Nabors says he will sing "Back Home Again In Indiana" at the track. Nabors is 83 - and has done the song nearly every year since 1972.

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