Dolly Parton says she was offered the Presidential Medal of Freedom twice but did not accept it

Dolly Parton never received the Presidential Medal of Freedom – a fact that “shocked” former President Barack Obama, who missed an opportunity to give her one. However, the nation’s superstar revealed on Tuesday that she received the award – twice, by the Trump administration.

In December, Mr. Obama said during an appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” that it was a mistake not to award Parton with the Presidential Medal of Freedom while in office.

“It was a mistake. I’m surprised,” Mr. Obama said. “I think I assumed she already had one, and that was incorrect. She deserves one. I’ll call Biden.”

When asked on Tuesday if she had heard of President Biden again, Parton told NBC “Today” that she actually had.

“To be honest, in all fairness, I was offered the Trump administration’s price of freedom,” Parton said. “I couldn’t accept it because my husband was sick. Then they asked me again and I wouldn’t be traveling because of COVID.”

“Now I feel like if I take it I’ll be in politics so I’m not sure,” she said, adding that she wasn’t even sure she deserved it.

The music icon and philanthropist established the Dollywood Foundation in 1988, which focuses on literacy and education in his home county of Sevier County, Tennessee.

Parton’s donations have gone global. In November, it was revealed that she had helped fund research for the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Moderna.

Parton made a Million dollar contribution towards coronavirus research efforts at Vanderbilt University in April.

Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the country’s highest civilian honor – are often individuals who have contributed to American interests, world peace, or cultural endeavors. Some of Mr. Obama’s recipients included Ellen DeGeneres, Stevie Wonder and Rep. John Lewis.

Some of Mr. Trump’s recipients included retired 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 Chicago Bears , and posthumously Elvis Presley, Babe Ruth and Antonin Scalia.

Earlier this year, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick announced he refused to accept a Presidential Medal of Freedom from Mr. Trump, citing last month’s deadly riot on the U.S. Capitol.