The award was one of the final acts of outgoing President Andrzej Duda. According to local public broadcaster TVP3 Bydgoszcz, citing the daily Fakt, the honour was granted by presidential decree on 21 July 2025.
The Presidential Chancellery said that Joanna Kołaczkowska received the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta for her outstanding achievements in artistic and creative work. The honour was given on the president’s own initiative.
The newspaper added that the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage could not award Kołaczkowska the Gloria Artis Medal for Merit to Culture, as it cannot be granted posthumously.
The Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta recognises significant contributions to public life, culture, science, and social or charitable work.
Kołaczkowska, best known for her work with the Hrabi cabaret and various media projects, died on 17 July 2025 aged 59. Her funeral was held on 28 July.
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Source: TVP3 Bydgoszcz