Dolly Parton explains why she 'couldn't accept' Medal of Freedom from Trump

Music legend Dolly Parton has revealed former American President Donald Trump tried to bestow upon her a medal for her charity work – but she had to turn him down. Twice.  The 75-year-old icon is well known for her philanthropic work as well as her music making – not least recently being revealed to have helped fund a vaccine for the the Covid-19 virus.   Her charitable work drew attention of the White House and President Trump had offered the Presidential Medal of Freedom to her.  The medal is the highest civilian offer that can be achieved in the USA – and is awarded to those who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."  However Dolly was twice unable to accept the offer.   She explained on the Today show: "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.”   Dolly went on to state she would likely reject the offer of the medal from current President, Joe Biden, over fears fans might accuse her of political bias.  She said: "Now I feel like if I take it, I'll be doing politics, so I'm not sure."  However, Dolly went on to clarify she does her charity work for the good of her soul – and rejected the very idea that she “deserves” to be honoured for her charity work.  She said: ”I don't work for those awards.  "It'd be nice but I'm not sure that I even deserve it. But it's a nice compliment for people to think that I might deserve it."  Dolly was one of the people who helped fund the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine – which was approved for used in the UK last month.  A reported 17 million doses have been ordered by the UK government – although they are not expect to be produced until the spring.  The vaccine is believed to be effective against newer strains of the virus, and the vaccine can be stored in normal fridges, making it more cost effective and easier to transport than the Pfizer vaccine.