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Jeff Bezos remembers Dolly Parton β€”Β a recipient of his $100M β€˜Courage and Civility’ award

25 August 2026 at 18:36
Dolly Parton in Los Angeles in 2012. (BigStock Photo)

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos joined the chorus of people who said they were touched by the life and work of Dolly Parton as he shared his condolences after the passing of the entertainment legend.

Parton, the rags-to-riches country music star whose hits included β€œJolene,” β€œI Will Always Love You,” β€œ9 to 5” and β€œCoat of Many Colors,” died in Nashville on Tuesday at age 80.

β€œDolly spent her whole life showing us what it means to lead with love,” Bezos wrote in an Instagram post. β€œLauren and I are so grateful to have known her. She lifted everyone with her music, her generosity, and her joy. Sending our sincere condolences to her family and everyone she touched.”

Parton was a prolific giver. Her philanthropic endeavors included Imagination Library, which distributed more than 200 million books to young children. She gave back to her home county in Tennessee, through awards and scholarships for high school graduates. She helped raise millions after wildfires in the state, and gave millions more to hospitals.

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

β€” Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) November 13, 2022

In November 2022, Parton received $100 million to give away as she chose as a recipient of Bezos’ β€œCourage and Civility” award.

The award was established in 2021, with the prize to be distributed within 10 years. Past winners have included include Jose Andres, chef and founder of the World Central Kitchen nonprofit organization, Van Jones, host of β€œThe Van Jones Show” and founder of Dream.org; Eva Longoria, actress, producer, and founder of the Eva Longoria Foundation; Richard Rusczyk, founder of Art of Problem Solving; and others.

β€œShe gives with her heart,” Bezos said when presenting Parton with the award, as seen in a video he posted on Twitter at the time. β€œWhat she’s done for kids, and literacy, and so many other things, is just incredible.”

β€œDid you say $100 million?!” Parton exclaimed as she took the stage. β€œWhen people are in a position to help, you should help. I’ve always said, β€˜I try to put my money where my heart is,’ and I think you do the same thing,” she added, tapping Bezos on the chest.

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