Dolly Parton receives $100 million award from Jeff Bezos

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Country music star and philanthropist Dolly Parton has received a $100 million prize from Amazon.com founder and billionaire Jeff Bezos’ Bezos Courage and Civility Award. .

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Bezos, who also owns space rocket company Blue Origin, announced the award on Friday alongside his longtime partner, newscaster Lauren Sanchez.

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Sanchez said on Instagram that Parton is “a woman who gives with all her heart and leads with love and care in all aspects of her work.”

“I can’t wait to see what you guys do with this $100 million award,” she said.

In a video clip of the ceremony posted online, Parton said: Did you say $100 million? ”

“I think people who are in a position to help should put their money where their heart is.

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A county, pop, and gospel singer-songwriter, 76-year-old Parton was a longtime philanthropist, including “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” and many other hits over the decades.

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She donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to help develop a vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Parton, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this month, also founded a number of charities, including the Dollywood Foundation, which focuses on education and poverty relief.

The Bezos award was launched in 2001, first by activist Van Jones, who was the founder and CEO of the REFORM Alliance and Dream Corps, and Jose, a chef and humanitarian who soon founded the food service World Central Kitchen. The award was presented to Mr. Andres. of disaster.