Country music legend Dolly Parton has received a $100 million award from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
Parton is the 2022 recipient of his Courage and Charities Award for being a person who “leads with her heart.” The award is provided for the winner to donate to a charity or charities of their choice.
“We’ve just announced a new Courage and Civility award recipient — @DollyParton, who leads with her heart, and will put this $100 million award to great use helping so many people. She joins prior awardees, @VanJones68 and @Chefjoseandres. Congrats, Dolly!” Bezos announced on Saturday.
Parton responded with a commitment to use the winnings to help others.
“I try to put my money where my heart is. I will do my best to do good things with this money. Thank you,” she tweeted.
I try to put my money where my heart is. I will do my best to do good things with this money ❤️ Thank you @JeffBezos #LaurenSanchez https://t.co/8RHh51z3jT
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) November 13, 2022
Parton also shared her thanks during a video that announced the award.
“When people are in a position to help, you should help. I know that I’ve always said I try to put my money where my heart is and I think you do the same thing,” she said.
Parton has long been known as a philanthropist. She donated $1 million to COVID research and is known for her Imagination Library through the Dollywood Foundation, which donates books to young children in the U.S. and internationally.
In February, her Dollywood Parks and Resorts announced that any part-time, seasonal, or full-time employee desiring to further their education could apply for 100% funding of tuition, books, and fees associated with schooling. Approximately 11,000 employees are eligible for the program. It officially launched on February 24, 2022, for employees across its 25 U.S. attractions, including The Harlem Globetrotters, Dollywood Parks & Resorts (Tenn.), Silver Dollar City (Mo.), Adventure Aquarium (N.J.), Newport Aquarium (Ky.), Kentucky Kingdom (Ky.), Wild Adventures (Ga.), and Pink Adventure Tours (Ariz., Tenn., Nev.).
The country music star also recently reacted to the news that she made it into the 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class despite previously seeking to have her name taken off the ballot.
During an interview with Billboard magazine, Parton joked that when her manager told her she would be inducted, she thought, “Well, I guess I’m a rock star now.” She went on to explain how she felt so “honored,” reported the outlet.
“And I appreciate the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame people for staying there with me,” the country superstar shared. “I never meant to cause trouble or stir up any controversy. It was just always my belief — and I think millions of other people out there too — always thought the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was just set up for the greatest people in the rock ‘n’ roll business, and I just didn’t feel like I really measured up to that and I don’t want to take anything away from the people that have worked so hard.”
