Dolly Parton wasn’t physically present during this year’s Governors Awards, but her words still filled the room. The 79-year-old superstar accepted the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award via a video message from her Nashville home, giving her her first Oscar — a gold statuette, calling both “a huge honor” and “the blessing of a lifetime.”
Parton has been nominated twice for Best Original Song, so this moment brought the weight of a long career and finally something new. She started with the story she always returns to: growing up in a household full of 12 children. “Now, that alone teaches you how important it is to share,” she said. According to Variety, her parents didn’t have much, but they still gave, and that was the example she followed.
Dolly Parton talks about her life and the people who shaped her
He said, “I’ve tried to live by his example my whole life and I’ve been blessed more than I ever imagined.” “It’s an honor to be considered… I don’t take this kind of thing lightly,” she said, looking at the Oscar in hand.
Then came the part that felt like Dolly – the gentle nudge towards doing better. “It inspires me to dream of new ways to help lift people up. Isn’t that what we’re here for?” he asked.
Her statuette was presented live by her “good friend” Lily Tomlin, her 9 to 5 co-star, during the Academy’s 16th Governors Awards at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles. Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise and Wynn Thomas also received honorary Oscars.
Also read: Dolly Parton health update: ‘I’m not dead yet’, says 79-year-old singer amid rumors
Dolly Parton’s legacy of music, philanthropy and tireless energy
Parton’s resume extends far beyond country hits. She founded the Dollywood Foundation in 1988, then launched the Imagination Library in 1995 – a book program that has now distributed 285 million books to children under the age of five.
She also appeared on the cover of People this week to promote her new book, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage, which reflects on a life spent in constant motion. “I’ve been moving very fast my whole life,” she said. She never had children and admits that this dynamic is a compromise in itself, but she is grateful to have seen so many dreams come true.
His daily routine? She reported that she would leave at 3 a.m., wear heels at home “to reach her shelves!” And she also applies a little make-up in case someone comes over.
A source close to her said she is recovering after recent health issues forced her to delay her Las Vegas residency. “Dolly is getting better every day,” the source said. She said she was already getting ready for the holidays.
FAQ:
What award did Dolly Parton receive?
He accepted the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
Was she present at the function?
She appeared in a video message from Nashville.