Dolly Parton Earns Honorary Oscar for Humanitarian Work at Governors Awards

Dolly Parton received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy’s Governors Awards. The event was held on November 16, 2025, in Los Angeles. Parton accepted the honor through a heartfelt video message from her home in Nashville. She called the Oscar a blessing and reflected on a lifetime of giving back.This award recognizes her decades of significant philanthropic efforts. According to Reuters, her absence was felt but her words powerfully resonated with the audience.

Dolly Parton’s Emotional Acceptance Speech

Parton opened her speech by recalling her childhood in a family with twelve children. She stated this upbringing taught her the profound importance of sharing. Her parents set an example of generosity despite having very little.She expressed being blessed beyond her dreams throughout her life. The star looked at the Oscar statue and said she does not take such honors lightly. Variety reported her desire to find new ways to help lift people up.Her good friend and co-star Lily Tomlin presented the award live at the Ray Dolby Ballroom. Other honorees included Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise, and Wynn Thomas. The moment celebrated a career that has long deserved this recognition.

The Legacy Behind the Honorary Oscar

Parton’s humanitarian legacy is vast and deeply impactful. She founded the Dollywood Foundation back in 1988. Her Imagination Library program, launched in 1995, has gifted 285 million books to young children.This initiative promotes early childhood literacy across the globe. Her work extends far beyond her iconic country music career. Parton’s energy and commitment to charity are unwavering.She recently discussed her life in a new book, reflecting on her relentless pace. A source confirmed she is recovering well from recent health issues. She is already preparing for the holidays and planning her return to the stage.

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Dolly Parton’s Honorary Oscar solidifies her status as a beloved cultural and philanthropic icon. Her heartfelt message inspires continued generosity and community support. This award honors a lifetime dedicated to helping others.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award?

It is an Honorary Oscar given by the Academy for outstanding philanthropic efforts. The award recognizes individuals whose humanitarian work has brought credit to the motion picture industry. Dolly Parton is its latest recipient.

Was Dolly Parton at the Governors Awards ceremony?

No, she was not physically present in Los Angeles. She delivered her acceptance speech via a pre-recorded video message from her home in Nashville.

What is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?

It is a program she founded that mails free books to children from birth to age five. The initiative has distributed hundreds of millions of books worldwide. It aims to foster a love of reading from an early age.

How has Dolly Parton’s health been recently?

She postponed her Las Vegas residency due to health issues earlier this year. A source close to her says she is recovering well and getting better every day.

Who presented the award to Dolly Parton?

Her “9 to 5” co-star and longtime friend Lily Tomlin presented the Honorary Oscar. Tomlin spoke live at the ceremony before the video message played.