Dolly Parton turned down the US Presidential Medal of Freedom twice
Former President Donald Trump offered her the honour
Last updated 11th May 2021
Dolly Parton has revealed that she has turned down the Presidential Medal of Freedom for the second time.
The country legend, who recently celebrated her 75th birthday, confirmed on the Today show that she had been offered the Medal of Freedom twice by former President Donald Trump’s administration.
The medal is the most prestigious award and the United States’ highest civilian honour. Dolly said, “I couldn’t accept it because my husband was ill, and then they asked me again about it and I wouldn’t travel because of the COVID.
“Now I feel like if I take it, I’ll be doing politics – so I’m not sure,”
Barack Obama recently said that he believed Dolly deserves the Medal of Freedom and said he was “shocked” she didn’t already have one.
The musician and philanthropist explained that she doesn’t measure her success on awards. She added, “I don’t work for those awards. It’d be nice but I’m not sure that I even deserve it. But it’s a nice compliment for people to think that I might deserve it.”
Dolly later confirmed that she had already been contacted by President Joe Biden about receiving the honour from his administration.
Check out some of our favourite Dolly quotes...
"It's hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world."
Dolly Parton performing in 1976.
"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."
Dolly on stage.
"You can be rich in spirit, kindness, love and all those things that you can’t put a dollar sign on. "
Dolly Parton on stage at Glastonbury Festival in 2014.
"You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try."
Dolly Parton and her Goddaughter Miley Cyrus on stage at the Grammy Awards in 2019.
"If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one."
Dolly Parton and her former partner and mentor Porter Wagoner, who she wrote her hit 'I Will Always Love You' about.
"Find out who you are and do it on purpose."
Dolly performing on stage at the UK Country Music Festival.
"Never leave a rhinestone unturned."
Dolly Parton in a publicity shot for the film 'Rhinestone' in 1984.
"Life is short, keep your dreams big and your hair bigger."
Dolly Parton co-hosting the 57th Academy Of Country Music Awards in March 2022.
"When it comes to music or hair, crank up the volume!"
Dolly performed at the Academy of Country Music Awards 2022.