Dolly Parton, 76, received $100 million from the ‘Bezos Courage and Civility Award’ for giving children access to books globally.
The country music legend was awarded $100 million by Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos, who recognizes leaders who ‘pursue solutions with courage and civility.’
The ‘Jolene’ singer received the award to donate to her favorite charities.
“Did you say $100 million?!” the legendary singer seemed shocked when she was given the money.
As she received the award, Parton said: “I’ve always said: I try to put my money where my heart is. I will do my best to do good things with this money.
“When people are in a position to help, they should help.”
Her foundation Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has given books to 1 in ten children in the US. It also serves Australia, Canada, the UK, and Ireland.
The 58-year-old billionaire also said of the country singer: “She gives with her heart. What she’s done for kids, and literacy, and so many other things, is just incredible.”
In addition to Parton’s foundation, she also donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which helped develop the Moderna covid vaccine.
Bezos’ longtime partner, Lauren Sanchez, took to Instagram and shared a video of their speech before awarding the money to the country singer.
“Jeff (Bezos) and I are so proud to share that we have a new Bezos Courage and Civility Award winner — a woman who gives with her heart and leads with love and compassion in every aspect of her work,” she said.
“We can’t wait to see all the good that you’re going to do with this $100 million award, @DollyParton.”
Before Parton, the previous recipient of the massive award was Chef Jose Andres for feeding people after tragedies around the world. He used his $100 million to help feed people in the Ukraine.
The founder of Dreams.org, Van Jones, also won the award at that time.
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