The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
Dolly Parton has never been awarded the Medal of Freedom . . . and Late Show host Stephen Colbert is doing everything he can to rectify the oversight.
During his sit-down interview with former President Barack Obama, Stephen broached the topic in a segment called “Questions We’re Pretty Sure Barack Obama Has Never Been Asked Before.”
“How does Dolly Parton not have a Presidential Medal of Freedom?” asked Stephen.
“That’s a mistake,” said President Obama. “I’m shocked. Actually, that was a screw-up. I’m surprised—I think I assumed that she had already got one, and that was incorrect. I’m surprised. She deserves one. I’ll call Biden.”
During his eight years in office, President Obama awarded more than 100 Medals of Freedom, including to recipients Loretta Lynn, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Tom Hanks and more.
Watch the Late Show segment below.
