Dolly Parton is the latest recipient of the Jeff Bezos Courage and Statesmanship Award.
“Jeff 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,” Bezos’ friend posted. Lauren Sanchez. on Instagram along with a video of their speech Friday before the country music legend was awarded the grant. “We can’t wait to see all the good you’re going to do with that $100 million prize, @DollyParton.”
Parton is also known for her philanthropy. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Parton donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s vaccine research efforts. It was used in part to fund Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccine.
She said in an interview at the time on BBC’s ‘The One Show’ that she felt ‘honoured and proud’.
“I just felt so proud to be a part of this little money that will hopefully grow into something great and help heal this world,” she said. “I’m a very proud girl today to know that I had anything to do with something that will help us get through this crazy pandemic.”
In 1988, Parton founded the Dollywood Foundation and eventually The Imagination Library, a program that helps children around the world have access to books.
Among her philanthropic efforts in her home state of Tennessee, Parton also created the Dolly Parton Scholarship, which provides $15,000 to recipients for a college education.
Last year, Bezos awarded $100 million each to CNN contributor Van Jones and chef Jose Andres.
“They can give it all to their own charity,” Bezos said last year. “Or they can share the wealth. It’s up to them.”
