US president Barack Obama has bestowed America's highest civilian honour upon his predecessor Bill Clinton and talk show queen Oprah Winfrey, the White House says.

Mr Clinton and Ms Winfrey are among 16 recipients of the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom, an award created 50 years ago by John F Kennedy.

"The Presidential Medal of Freedom goes to men and women who have dedicated their own lives to enriching ours," Mr Obama said in a statement to mark the 50th anniversary of the medal.

"This year's honourees 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 honour to present them with a token of our nation's gratitude."

Mr Clinton, who turns 67 at the end of the month, held the presidency from 1993 to 2001 and has since focused on his philanthropic foundation.

He also worked tirelessly on Mr Obama's 2012 re-election campaign.

Winfrey, who presides over a media empire, is often seen topping lists of most powerful celebrities.

She has been a stalwart backer of Mr Obama's political aspirations, in particular his 2008 presidential campaign.

Other recipients of the medal, to be awarded at the White House later this year, include women's rights activist and writer Gloria Steinem, former executive editor of the Washington Post, Ben Bradlee, Chicago Cubs baseball legend Ernie Banks and Loretta Lynn, one of country music's first major female stars.

Medals will also be awarded posthumously to astronaut Sally Ride and to longtime Hawaii representative and World War II hero Daniel Inouye.

In 2012, Mr Obama awarded the medal to musician Bob Dylan, astronaut John Glenn and Israeli president Shimon Peres, among others.

AFP/Reuters