Oprah Among Those Honored By President Obama

Oprah Winfrey received the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House.

When he addressed the audience, Barack Obama said, "Early in Oprah Winfrey's career, her bosses said that she should change her name to Suzie. I have to pause here to say, I got the same advice."

The President joked about Oprah as her longtime boyfriend Stedman Graham sat in the audience.

Oprah was one of 16 notable Americans honored with America's highest civilian award Wednesday. 

Eighty-one-year-old country music legend Loretta Lynn, who's in failing health, had to be helped by the President as she walked up to receive her medal.   

Hillary Clinton was there as her husband was honored. Bill Clinton has been critical of the Obamacare debacle, but Obama still praised the former President, saying, "I'm grateful for the advice and counsel you've offered me."

After the White House ceremony, Obama and Clinton held hands with Robert Kennedy's widow Ethel on a visit to Arlington National Cemetery.  

The two presidents, with wives Hillary and Michelle, laid a wreath at the eternal flame, the grave of President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated 50 years ago this Friday.