Dolly Parton never received the Presidential Medal of Freedom – a fact that “shocked” former President Barack Obama, who missed the opportunity to give her one. However, the country superstar revealed on Tuesday that he received the award – twice, by the Trump administration.
In December, Obama said during an appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” that it was a mistake not to give Parton the Presidential Medal of Freedom while he was in office.
“That was a mess. I’m surprised,” said Obama. “I think I assumed she already had one, and that was incorrect. She deserves one. I’m going to call Biden.”
When asked on Tuesday whether she has heard of President Biden, Parton told NBC “Today” that she really did.
“To be honest, in all fairness, I was offered the freedom award from the Trump administration,” said Parton. “I couldn’t accept it because my husband was sick. Then I was asked again and I didn’t want to travel because of COVID.”
“Now I feel that if I accept it, I will be doing politics, so I’m not sure,” she said, adding that she is not even sure if she deserves it.
The music icon and philanthropist created the Dollywood Foundation in 1988, which focuses on literacy and education in his home county of Sevier County, Tennessee.
Parton’s donation has gone global. In November, it was revealed that she helped fund research for the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Moderna.
Parton made a Contribution of $ 1 million toward coronavirus research efforts at Vanderbilt University in April.
The recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the country’s largest civilian tribute – are generally people who have made contributions to the interests of the United States, world peace or cultural endeavors. Some of Obama’s recipients included Ellen DeGeneres, Stevie Wonder and Rep. John Lewis.
Some of Trump’s recipients include Republican Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, Alan Page, who was elected to the Minnesota Supreme Court after an NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears, and posthumously Elvis Presley, Babe Ruth and Antonin Scalia .
Earlier this year, New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick announced that refused to accept a Trump Presidential Medal of Freedom, citing last month’s deadly turmoil on the United States Capitol.