Country music star and philanthropist Dolly Parton was awarded a $100 million prize from the “Bezos Courage & Civility Award” presented by Amazon.com (AMZN.O) founder, billionaire Jeff Bezos, an honor that recognizes leaders who “pursue solutions with courage and civility,” he said online.
Bezos, who is also the owner of the space rocket company Blue Origin, gave out the award on Friday together with his longtime partner, news anchor Lauren Sanchez.
Sanchez said on Instagram that:
“Parton is a woman who gives with her heart and leads with love and compassion in every aspect of her work. We can’t wait to see all the good that you’re going to do with this $100 million award.”
Parton, in a video clip of the ceremony uploaded online, said:
“Wow! Did you say $100 million?”
She added:
“I think people who are in a position to help should put their money where their heart is. I will do my best to do good things with this money.”
Parton, 76, a country, gospel, and pop singer-songwriter, whose songs include, ”Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and several other hits over the years, has been a longtime philanthropist.
She donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University’s Medical Center to assist in developing a vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parton, who in November was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, also has started several charities including the Dollywood Foundation, which focuses on education along with poverty relief.
Buy Bitcoin NowBezos’ award was initiated in 2001, with prizes first being awarded to activist Van Jones, who served as founding CEO of the REFORM Alliance and Dream Corps, and chef and humanitarian Jose Andres, who founded World Central Kitchen, which gives food in the immediate aftermath of disasters.
