Dolly Parton gets $100m award from Jeff Bezos

Music star Dolly Parton has been awarded a $100m prize by Amazon boss Jeff Bezos.

Bezos announced the award alongside his partner, Lauren Sanchez, who described Parton as “a woman who gives with her heart and leads with love and compassion every aspect of her work.” 

The Bezos Courage & Civility Award recognises leaders who “pursue solutions with courage and civility”.

“We can’t wait to see all the good that you’re going to do with this $100 million award,” Ms Sanchez said.

In a video, Parton said “Wow! Did you say $100 million?”

“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,” she added.

Bezos started the award in 2001, with prizes going to activists Van Joes and Jose Andres – who established World Central Kitchen. 

Parton has been a high-profile supporter of charities and founded the Dollywood foundation  – which has given books to children around the world.

The singer supported the Moderna vaccine with a $1m donation for coronavirus research to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.