Dolly Parton Has Refused the Medal of Freedom Twice: "I Don't Work For Those Awards"

Published on Feb 2, 2021 at 6:42 PM

US singer Dolly Parton performs onstage during the 61st Annual Grammy Awards on February 10, 2019, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP) (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

After her decades of iconic work, Dolly Parton is an obvious choice for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, so why hasn't she gotten it yet? Barack Obama admitted overlooking the country singer's award is one of his greatest regrets but Dolly recently revealed she actually turned down the medal not once, but twice already.

"I got offered the Freedom award from the Trump Administration. 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 COVID," Dolly shared on NBC's Today. Combating the virus is clearly a priority for Dolly, who donated $1 million to help fund Moderna's vaccine back in April 2020.

The Biden Administration didn't hesitate to reach out to Dolly about the award either, but she's unsure if she'll ever accept. "Now I feel like if I take it I'll be doing politics, so I'm not sure," she said. "I don't work for those awards, but I'm not sure that I even deserve it. But that's a nice compliment for people to think that I might deserve it."

Celebrity

Fashion

Fitness

Beauty

Love

Family

Shop

Dolly Parton Has Refused the Medal of Freedom Twice: "I Don't Work For Those Awards"

Related

Melissa Barrera in "Abigail" Is Proof We Need More Latines in Horror

The lack of Latine representation in film today is disappointing when you consider Latines accounted for 29 percent of moviegoers in the States in 2020.

"Gordita Chronicles" Finally Gets a Second Life on Tubi, Hulu and Disney+

According to new McKinsey & Company research, there are over 62 million Latinos living in the United States who not only account for more than $3 trillion of GDP but are also avid consumers of film and TV.

Don Omar's "Back to Reggaeton" US Tour Shows How Far the Genre Has Come

As reggaetón continues to dominate the music charts, the genre's legends, including Daddy Yankee, Tego Calderón, Ivy Queen, and Don Omar remain more relevant than ever for their roles in shaping a movement that originated in Puerto Rico and eventually went global.

America Ferrera Didn’t Win an Oscar, but Her Monologue Will Live on For Latinas

There's a reason why we're still talking about America Ferrera's "Barbie" monologue months after the blockbuster was released.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal's Journey Is "Every Immigrant's Story"

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, of Washington state, is known for being an outspoken advocate of social justice, reproductive freedoms, and immigrants' rights.

Gabriela Berlingeri Is Focused on Self-Love — and Her Jewelry Line Celebrates That

Even for those who seek to be the center of attention, the spotlight often comes with a heavy price.

Tell Me Más: Neysa Blay’s Sobriety Journey Has Transformed Her as a Music Artist

When indie rock musician Neysa Blay sat down to start writing songs for her new album, "Nada es Suficiente," she found herself in an unusual predicament.

Ivy Queen Is Manifesting 2024 to Be Her Year

The legendary Ivy Queen — often referred to as the Queen of Reggaetón or La Caballota — once said in an interview, "In the life of every woman, there's a point when you blossom and when you flourish."

Tell Me Más: Lúconde Fuses Theater and Urbano in Her Debut Album

Many popular musicians have created fictional alter egos as a way to explore new sonic avenues that they wish to experiment with.

Indigenous Activist Michelle Chubb on What We All Lose When History Centers White Voices

Michelle Chubb, also known as Indigenous Baddie on social media, is a model, activist, and public speaker who brings mainstream media's attention to the beauty of and challenges facing Indigenous communities.

Innovating Latin Music Is What's Made Juan Luis Guerra a Legend — His New EP "Radio Güira" Is Proof

If you're Dominican and were alive during the 1980s and '90s, chances are Juan Luis Guerra's hits became the soundtrack of your life.

Shakira's Rock en Español Journey: From "Pies Descalzos" to International Stardom

Colombian singer Shakira is often referred to as the queen of Latin music.