Country music star Dolly Parton has been awarded $100 million (£85 million) by Jeff Bezos.
The money comes from the Bezos Courage and Civility Award, which honors leaders who “seek solutions with courage and civility.”
Bezos, 58, announced the award along with his girlfriend, news anchor Lauren Sanchez.
Sanchez said on Instagram that Parton is “a woman who puts her heart into every aspect of her job and leads with love and compassion.”
“We can’t wait to see all the good things you’ll do with this $100 million bonus,” she added.
Partonsaid in a video clip of the ceremony posted online: “Wow! Did you mean $100 million?”
“I think people who are able to help should put their money to heart.
“I will do whatever I can with this money to do good things.”
Parton, 76, a country, pop and gospel singer-songwriter whose songs include “I’ll Always Love You” and “Joelyn,” has been a longtime philanthropist.
She donated $1 million (£850,000) to Vanderbilt University Medical Centre to help develop a vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Image: Associated Press
Patton, who is this month Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Famehas also established several charities including the Dollywood Foundation, which focuses on education and poverty alleviation.
Bezos’ awards, which began in 2001, were first awarded to activist Van Jones, who served as the founding CEO of the Reform League and Legion of Dreams, and Jose Andres, the chef and humanitarian who founded World Central The kitchen, which provides food immediately after a disaster.