Dolly Parton was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 2025 Governors Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday (November 16). Due to recent health issues, the 79-year-old country music icon accepted the Oscar statuette via video message from her Nashville home. This marks Parton’s first Oscar win following two previous Best Original Song nominations, previously receiving nods in 1980 for “9 to 5” from the film of the same name, and in 2005 for “Travellin’ Thru” from Transamerica.
“I’ve been blessed more than I ever dreamed possible,” Parton said in her message. “It’s an honor just to be considered. I don’t take this kind of thing lightly. 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? So from my heart to yours, I truly thank you.” Presented by her 9 to 5 co-star Lily Tomlin, the honor recognizes Parton’s decades-long charitable work, including her Dollywood Foundation and the Imagination Library, which has gifted 285 million books to children. (People)
