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 “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” “9 to 5” and “Coat of Many Colors,” died in Nashville on Tuesday at age 80.
“Dolly spent her whole life showing us what it means to lead with love,” Bezos wrote in an Instagram post. “Lauren 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.
In November 2022, Parton received $100 million to give away as she chose as a recipient of Bezos’ “Courage 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 “The 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.
“She gives with her heart,” Bezos said when presenting Parton with the award, as seen in a video he posted on Twitter at the time. “What she’s done for kids, and literacy, and so many other things, is just incredible.”
“Did you say $100 million?!” Parton exclaimed as she took the stage. “When people are in a position to help, you should help. I’ve always said, ‘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.
