Reuters revealed on November 13 that Dolly Parton, a Country music star and philanthropist, was awarded the “Bezos Courage & Civility Award” given by Amazon.com and Jeff Bezos. The honor recognizes leaders who “pursue solutions with courage and civility,” according to Bezos.
Jeff Bezos Announced The Award Friday, November 11
Jeff Bezos announced the award on Friday, November 11, with his partner news anchor Lauren Sanchez. On her Instagram, Sanchez referred to Parton as, “a woman who gives with her heart and leads with love and compassion in every aspect of her work.” Sanchez continued, “We can’t wait to see all the good that you’re going to do with this $100 million award.” Parton replied, “Wow! Did you say $100 million?”
Parton, who runs her own organization, DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY, also said, “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 is a long-time country music singer, songwriter, and philanthropist.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Parton launched her Imagination Library in 1995 saying, “When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true. I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer.
The seeds of these dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world.” Imagination Library has expanded into not only the United States but Australia, Canada, The Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The total number of books gifted from this program has reached 193,008,232.
Dolly Parton’s COVID- 19 Vaccine Donation
According to Reuters, Parton donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University’s Medical Center to help develop a COVID vaccine. Parton can boast several hit songs including, “I Will Always Love You” written for a friend and mentor several years ago, and “Jolene”. Parton was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this month. Parton is also the founder of the Dollywood Foundation which focuses on education and poverty relief.
The Bezos Award started in 2001 and continues to honor those committed to helping our world to be a better place to live in. Parton could use that money to make a difference in many people’s lives during this holiday season through her various charities, especially with the number of people still struggling following the pandemic.
Congratulations on your award Dolly, keep up the good work.
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