Jeff Bezos awarded Dolly Parton $100million for letting children have access to books all over the world.
On Friday, Parton was announced as the latest recipient of the Courage and Civility award at the Bezos Awards. The winner is able to donate $100 million to charity through this prize.
The singer was elated when she received the news that she won a large sum of money. She said, ‘Did you say $100million?’
‘I’ve always said: I try to put my money where my heart is,’ the country music singer stated as she accepted her award. ‘I will do my best to do good things with this money.
‘When people are in a position to help, they should help,’ the millionaire stated. Dolly Parton graciously accepted her award in a style true to herself: with a lace dress, skintight black clothing, and of course, her iconic blonde wig.
The award ‘recognizes leaders that aim high, find solutions, and who always do it with civility,’ Lauren Sanchez, Bezos’ long-time girlfriend, said at the awards show.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – also known as the Jolene singer foundation – has distributed books to one in ten children in the United States. The organization also serves families in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Canada.
‘She gives with her heart. What she’s done for kids, and literacy, and so many other things, is just incredible,’ Bezos said of the singer.
In addition to her Imagination Library, Parton donates $ 1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. This helped develop the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine we use today.
Former award-holder Chef Jose Andres was rewarded for his World Central Kitchen, an organization that provides meals after disasters. He then donated $100 million to help feed hungry people in Ukraine.
Van Jones, the founder of Dreams.org, also won the award in a previous year. In March, Jones said he has 10 years to fully disperse the funds.
It is unknown how Parton plans on spending her money.
Since Bezos stepped down from Amazon, he and his girlfriend have been focusing on philanthropy.
Recently, Bezos donates $10 billion to Earth Fund for climate change and $200 million to Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. He is nearly worth 124 billion dollars.
