LOS ANGELES — Dolly Parton couldn’t attend the 16th Academy Governors Awards on Sunday, Nov. 16, to accept her honorary Oscar award.
But the Queen of Country, 79, expressed her gratitude for receiving the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in a recorded video beamed to Hollywood’s Ray Dolby Ballroom. The short video referenced Parton’s humble upbringing in East Tennessee.
“We didn’t have too much to share, but my mama and daddy showed me that the more you give, the more blessings come your way,” said Parton. “And I have been blessed more than I ever dreamed possible, like with this award tonight.”
“From my heart to yours, I truly thank you,” she added.
Parton was one of four people bestowed with honorary Oscars by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences at the annual awards, along with Tom Cruise, choreographer Debbie Allen, and production designer Wynn Thomas.
Parton has been dealing with health issues and mourning the death of Carl Dean, her husband of 58 years, in March. But her absence from the Governors Awards gala had nothing to do with her health, according to her publicist Marcel Pariseau.
Pariseau told USA TODAY in September that Parton had informed the film academy of a scheduling conflict when she was first told of the award.
The country legend’s award was specifically to recognize her charitable efforts. Parton founded the Dollywood Foundation in 1988 to inspire the children of East Tennessee to achieve educational success, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has provided 285 million books to children.
The music icon has also starred in films such as “9 to 5” and “Steel Magnolias,” and earned two Oscar nominations for best original song for “9 to 5” and “Travelin’ Thru” from “Transamerica.”
“9 to 5” co-star Lily Tomlin honored Parton from the stage, recalling their work together on the country star’s first movie.
“During one rehearsal, I forgot a line, and Dolly recited it for me,” said Tomlin. “She said that it was her first movie, so she thought she’d memorize the whole darn script. And she did. Even Dabney Coleman’s parts.”
Tomlin said awarding Parton’s humanitarian work was fitting for the global icon.
“She is one of the few people who remain in this world that everyone loves and respects,” said Tomlin to wild applause. “Not just ‘9 to 5’ but 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Congratulations, Dolly.”
Cruise also paid respect to Parton when accepting his award.
“Dolly Parton is an American original, legendary singer, songwriter, actress, and humanitarian,” said Cruise. “Your songs and your soul are part of the very fabric of all our lives. You show us that compassion and creativity are part of the same burning light.”
