Imagine Yoko Ono getting a songwriter credit on 'Imagine'!

Yoko Ono has finally been given a writer's credit on the John Lennon smash hit "Imagine", 46 years after the iconic song was released.

The credit was given to 84-year-old Ono at the National Music Publishers Association Centennial Song Award.

'Imagine', arguably Lennon's best-known solo song after leaving The Beatles, is considered a pop masterpiece with Rolling Stone magazine calling it "his greatest gift to the world."

The song - from the 1971 album of the same name - was inspired by Yoko Ono, with Lennon taking portions of the lyrics from Ono's 1964 poetry book, "Grapefruit".

"Grapefruit" was published by Ono's own imprint seven years before "Imagine" came into being.

A portrait of Ono and Lennon. /VCG Photo

National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) president and CEO David Israelite presented Ono with the songwriting credit.

“While things may have been different in 1971, today I am glad to say things have changed. So tonight, it is my distinct honor to correct the record some 48 years later, and recognize Yoko Ono as a co-writer of the NMPA Centennial Song 'Imagine' and to present Yoko Ono with this well-deserved credit," he said.

"This is the best time of my life," Ono said.

A graffiti tribute to John Lennon. /VCG Photo

While many have welcomed the landmark decision to give a songwriting credit to Ono, it will undoubtedly spark controversy among die-hard Beatles fans who still blame Ono for the band's split in 1970 after allegedly causing divisions between Lennon and the other members.

(CGTN)