Dolly Parton has expressed her gratitude after being awarded with an honorary Oscar.
At the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 2025 Governors Awards held at the Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles on Sunday, the country music icon was presented with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in recognition of her promotion of “human welfare and contributing to rectifying inequities” in the entertainment industry.
Dolly wasn’t at the event due to a “scheduling conflict”, but her longtime friend, Lily Tomlin, honoured her with a short speech and accepted the Oscar statuette on her behalf.
And in a pre-recorded video, the Jolene hitmaker thanked the Academy for the prestigious prize.
“We didn’t have much to share, but my mama and dad showed me, by example, that the more you give, the more blessings come your way,” she began, referencing her humble upbringing in East Tennessee. “And I have tried my whole life to live by their example. And I have been blessed more than I ever thought possible, like with this award tonight.”
Dolly went on to insist it was an “honour just to be considered” for the award.
“To receive this? I mean, that’s a blessing of a lifetime,” the 79-year-old declared as she held up the Oscar statuette. “It makes me want to dream up new ways to help lift people up, and isn’t that what we’re supposed to be here for? So, from my heart to yours, I truly thank you.”
Dolly has stepped back from the spotlight in recent months while dealing with health issues and mourning the death of her husband, Carl Dean. Carl died at the age of 82 in March.
Earlier in the night, Lily recounted how professional Dolly was on the set of the 1980 comedy, 9 to 5 – her debut film appearance.
“During one rehearsal, I forgot a line, and (Dolly) recited it for me. She said that it was her first movie, so she thought she’d memorise the whole darn script. And she did. Even Dabney (Coleman)’s parts,” the 86-year-old actress joked, before praising her friend’s lifelong commitment to giving back. “Dolly Parton is one of the few people who remain in this world that everyone loves and respects. Not just nine to five but 24 hours a day, every day of the year.”
Actor Tom Cruise, choreographer Debbie Allen, and production designer Wynn Thomas were also presented with Academy Honorary Awards amid the celebration.
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