Dolly Parton gets $100 million from Jeff Bezos as Amazon boss vows to give most of her fortune away
Dolly Parton has received $100 million (£84.8 million) from Jeff Bezos to donate to charitable causes after the Amazon founder revealed plans to give away most of his fortune.
The country music icon will be able to donate the money to charities of his choice, after it was announced today that Bezos has pledged most of his $124 billion (£105 billion) net worth.
Asked in a new interview with CNN if he plans to give away most of his wealth during his lifetime, Bezos replied: “Yes, he does.”
Bezos’ partner, Lauren Sanchez, described Parton as “a woman who gives with her heart and guides with love and compassion in all aspects of her work.”
He added: “We can’t wait to see all the good he will do with this $100 million prize.”
The Bezos Courage & Civility Award aims to recognize leaders who “seek solutions with courage and civility.”
“Wow! Did you say $100 million? “Parton said at the live ceremony.
“When people can help, they should,” he said. “And I know I’ve always said ‘I try to put my money where my heart is.’ And I think you do the same thing,” he told Bezos.
“I will try my best to do good things with this money. Thanks Jeff.”
Past honorees include American commentator and activist Van Jones and Spanish chef and humanitarian José Andrés.
In 2020, Parton donated one million dollars (£844 million) towards the success of Covid-19 vaccine research.
Elsewhere, the singer performed “Jolene” with Judas Priest’s Rob Halford at last night’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony.
“Now I’m a rock star!” Parton said during her acceptance speech (via Rolling Stone), adding: “This is a very special night for me. I’m sure many of you knew when you said you were going to send me in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.. Roll, I didn’t feel like I had done enough to make it. And I didn’t realize at the time that there was more to it.
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