Jeff Bezos and his partner Lauren Sanchez awarded Dolly Parton the Courage and Civility Award, a $100 million prize that enables the beloved philanthropist to “do good things.”
“We have in this very room, the recipient of the next Courage and Civility Award, the woman you’re about to meet embodies these ideals so thoroughly. She gives with her heart,” Bezos said in a video via social media.
“What she’s done for kids, for illiteracy and so many other things — is just incredible. It is my great honor to welcome the 2022 Courage and Civility recipient up on stage: Dolly Parton.”
“Did you say a hundred million?!” Parton said after Bezos announced the gift over the weekend.
Parton has famously used her success to help others, especially in areas of literacy and education. “When people are in a position to help, you should help,” the country music legend urged to the cheering intimate audience. “And 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.”
“I’m going to try do my best to do good things with this money,” Parton pledged, adding, “Thank you, Jeff.”
Inspired by her father’s own illiteracy, the Rock & Roll hall of Fame legend launched the Imagination Library project in 1995 and has now donated almost 170 million books to children in five countries.
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
