Jeff Bezos Gives Dolly Parton $100 Million Award For Courage & Civility
Dolly Parton has done extensive charity work over her career, and she was recently recognized through an away from Jeff Bezos that comes with a $100 million prize to donate as its recipient sees fit.
Jeff shared a video of himself and his partner Lauren Sanchez presenting the Courage and Civility Award to the country legend.
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,” he tweeted.
“She joins prior awardees, @VanJones68 and @Chefjoseandres. Congrats, Dolly!” Jeff added.
In the video, Jeff said that Dolly’s commitment to literacy earned her the prestigious award. In 1995, the singer started the Imagination Library, which was inspired by her father, who couldn’t read or write. The foundation works in five countries and gives out 1 million free books a year.
Additionally, through the Dollywood Foundation, Dolly has reduced the dropout rate in her home county from 35% to 6%, after she started offering graduates $500 for completing high school.
“She gives with her heart,” Jeff said during his presentation. “What she’s done for kids, literacy and so many other things is just incredible.”
Dolly addressed the crowd when she went on stage to accept the award, saying she promises to put the prize money to good use.
“Wow! Did you say a $100 million dollars?” the award-winning singer said. “When people are in a position to help, you should help, and I know that I’ve always said I try to put my money where my heart is.”
It's unclear what organization(s) Dolly plans to give the money to, but she’s become known for her charitable donations throughout the years.
In 2020, she donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University to support COVID-19 vaccine research. She’s been directly credited for helping develop the Moderna vaccine thanks to her financial support.
This wasn’t the first time supported the university. In 2017, Dolly gave $1 million to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Similarly, in 2007, she helped raised $500,00 for a new Sevier County Hospital. Over the years, Dolly has also championed for transgender rights as well as supported numerous scholarships to promote education.
Dolly has a reported net worth of $350 million thanks to her decades-long career, but she’s clearly putting her wealth towards good initiatives.
Sources; Twitter, Imagination Library, Yard Barker, The Hill,
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