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Dolly Parton marked a major milestone in her legendary career as she accepted the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, her first-ever Oscar, through a video message during the 2025 Governors Awards. Although she was unable to attend the Los Angeles ceremony in person, her presence filled the room as her 9 to 5 co-star and longtime friend Lily Tomlin presented the honor before Parton appeared onscreen from Nashville.
Holding the golden statuette, Parton called the recognition "a great honor" and "a blessing of a lifetime." She looked back on her childhood, explaining that being raised "in a house with 12 kids" shaped her understanding of generosity. "Now, that alone teaches you how important sharing is," she said. Even when her family had little, she noted, her parents' example taught her that "the more you give, the more blessings come your way."
Parton reflected on how those lessons guided her throughout her decades in the public eye. "I've tried my whole life to live by their example and I've been blessed more than I ever dreamed possible," she said, adding that even being considered for the award was meaningful to her. "I don't take this kind of thing lightly."
The honor also reignited her commitment to service. "It makes me want to dream up new ways to help lift people up. Isn't that what we're supposed to be here for?" she said, closing her message with gratitude: "So from my heart to yours, I truly thank you."
Parton's humanitarian work stretches far beyond her music career. She launched the Dollywood Foundation in the late 1980s and later introduced the Imagination Library, a book-gifting program that has delivered millions of books to children under five. Her philanthropic efforts were a driving factor behind her selection for the Hersholt Award.
Her acceptance comes during a period of recovery, following health challenges that led her to postpone her Las Vegas residency to 2026. Despite concern, she recently reassured fans that she is "OK" and receiving routine treatments in Nashville. "I'm not dying," she said with characteristic humour, thanking supporters for their prayers and concern.
