August 9, 2013 – Country star legend Loretta Lynn was named by President Barack Obama to be one of the recipients of the 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor that is 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." The award ceremony will be held later his year. 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the Executive Order signed by President John F. Kennedy establishing the Presidential Medal of Freedom, since then over 500 exceptional individuals have been awarded with this Presidential Medal of Freedom. In a statement President Obama said, "The Presidential Medal of Freedom goes to men and women who have dedicated their own lives to enriching ours. This year's honorees have been blessed with extraordinary talent, but what sets them apart is their gift for sharing that talent with the world. It will be my honor to present them with a token of our nation's gratitude."
The White House website said about Ms. Lynn that she "is a country music legend. Raised in rural Kentucky, she emerged as one of the first successful female country vocalists in the early 1960s, courageously breaking down barriers in an industry long dominated by men. Ms. Lynn's numerous accolades include the Kennedy Center Honors in 2003 and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010."
Read more and learn about the other 31 recipients on the White House website here. (photo credit Scott Schram/CC)
