Singer Dolly Parton declined receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom three times, twice from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, and once from U.S. President Joe Biden. Parton revealed that she had declined the award from Trump and Biden in a 2021 interview. They have not commented on her decision.

President Joe Biden presented a Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction on Saturday to the leader of his own church, Pope Francis. Biden praised the Catholic leader for being a “light of faith,

President Joe Biden has honored Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction. It's the highest civilian award given by the president.