Aretha Franklin received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. President George W. Bush presented the United States’ highest civilian honor to Franklin in a White House ceremony on November 9 of that year.
The award recognized her extraordinary contribution to American music and culture. Franklin had already become internationally known for songs such as “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” while her gospel-rooted voice and piano playing helped shape modern soul and R&B.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who make especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, culture, or other significant public or private endeavors. Franklin’s 2005 honor came years before her later national appearances, including her performance at Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration and her Kennedy Center Honors appearance in 2015.