According to The New York Times, legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He was chosen due to his contributions to the civil rights movement both through his music and in his personal life. At 70 years old, Bob Dylan  will be awarded the highest civilian honor alongside author Toni Morrison, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, astronaut John Glenn, and former Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens. In an official White House statement, he was mentioned as:

"one of the most influential American musicians of the 20th century who has made a significant impact on American culture over the past five decades."