Jeff Bezos gives Dolly Parton R1.7-billion for her philanthropy work
"I'm going to try do my best to do good things with this money," says Dolly.
Dolly Parton is known for producing country hits, but when she is not making music, she is helping to save the world.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and partner Lauren Sanchez have given the 76-year-old the Bezos Courage and Civility Award.
The businessman also gave the 'Jolene' hitmaker $100-million (R1.7-billion) to continue her charity work.
Dolly has been involved in many causes over the years, but it was only during the COVID-19 pandemic that people started to take note of all her philanthropic efforts.
She donated $1-million to Moderna at Vanderbilt University Medical Center to help with the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. The money was used for Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine.
Jeff says Dolly embodies everything the award represents.
"She gives with her heart," he continued. "What she's done for kids, for illiteracy and so many other things — is just incredible. It is my great honor to welcome the 2022 Courage and Civility recipient up on stage. Dolly Parton," he said.
Dolly was surprised by the amount that was awarded to her but promised to use it wisely.
"When people are in a position to help, you should help," the country music legend urged to the cheering intimate audience. And I know that I've always said I try to put my money where my heart is, and I think you do the same thing. I'm going to try do my best to do good things with this money," she said.
ALSO READ: ECR proud to officially announce the launch of Black City Record’s first female artist, Gwyn
Meanwhile, Jeff - who has a net worth of $124-billion - has vowed to give almost all his money away to charity.
"The hard part is figuring out how to do it in a levered way. It’s not easy. Building Amazon was not easy. It took a lot of hard work, a bunch of very smart teammates, hard-working teammates, and I’m finding — and I think Lauren is finding the same thing — that charity, philanthropy, is very similar," he told CNN.
Main image credit: Instagram/@dollyparton, @jeffbezos