Loretta Lynn Among Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients

Loretta Lynn is getting some very special recognition.  She's among this year's Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients; the nation's highest civilian honor.

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.'

Loretta is being recognized for paving the way for women in country music by 'courageously breaking barriers in an industry long dominated by men.' And that she did,  becoming the first woman to win the ACM Entertainer of the Year award.  Over her career, Loretta has score 10 #1 albums and 16 #1 songs.  She's been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 50 years, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1977 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1988.

Loretta joins 16 individuals being honored including Oprah, former President Bill Clinton and the late Sally Ride.

A date for the ceremony hasn't been announced but it will take place this year.

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of President Kennedy’s Presidential Medal of Freedom.