Country music icon Dolly Parton has revealed why she twice turned down former President Donald Trumps offer of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nations highest civilian honor.

In an interview on the Today show on Monday, the Jolene singer and lifelong philanthropist said it was just a case of bad timing. She also explained why shed be hesitant to accept the accolade now from President Joe Biden.

I couldnt accept it (from Trump) because my husband was ill and then they asked me again about it and I wouldnt travel because of the COVID, she recalled.

So now, I feel like if I take it, Ill be doing politics, so Im not sure, Parton continued. I dont work for those awards. Itd be nice, but Im not sure that I even deserve it. But its a nice compliment for people to think that I might deserve it.

I think everyone thinks you might deserve it, Today host Hoda Kotb responded. (Watch the video above).

Parton has contributed to a slew of charitable projects. She was cheered last year after it emerged she had donated $1 million to fund a vaccine for COVID-19. Its prompted calls for a statue of the singer at the Tennessee state Capitol in Nashville.

Former President Barack Obama admitted last year that not awarding the medal to Parton had been a screw-up of his administration.

Calling all HuffPost superfans!

Sign up for membership to become a founding member and help shape HuffPost's next chapter

Go here to see the original:

Dolly Parton Rejected The Medal Of Freedom From Donald Trump Twice. Here's Why. - HuffPost