Dolly Parton turned down presidential medals;Photo/Instagram.Dolly Parton
Country music legend Dolly Parton, who died on August 25, 2026, aged 80, twice turned down the Presidential Medal of Freedom, saying she did not want accepting the prestigious US honour to be interpreted as a political statement.
Parton was first offered the award during Donald Trump’s first presidency but declined, citing personal circumstances and her reluctance to travel.
She was later approached again during Joe Biden’s administration, but once more chose not to accept it.
“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,” Parton told TODAY.
