Dolly Parton was awarded her first Oscar at the 16th Governors Awards on Sunday, November 16, but the Queen of Country wasn’t there to accept it in person. The 79-year-old singer and philanthropist was presented with an Honorary Oscar at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles, but instead expressed her gratitude from a video recorded at her home in Nashville, as reported by People magazine.
Parton’s absence from the event may have been influenced by her recent health concerns. Last month, she shared that she had moved back to her hometown to be closer to friends and family, where she has been undergoing “a few treatments here and there.” Despite her health challenges, the “Jolene” hitmaker was clearly thrilled to receive the prestigious award.
In the video message, Parton stood beside the iconic golden statuette, wearing a golden top to match, and thanked the Academy for the honor. “I grew up in a house with 12 kids. Now, that alone teaches you how important sharing is. Don’t get me wrong, we didn’t have that much to share.
But my mom and daddy showed me — by example — that the more you give, the more blessings come your way,” she reflected. She continued, “I’ve tried my whole life to live by their example, and I’ve been blessed more than I ever dreamed possible. Like this award tonight, The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences.”
Parton also expressed her deep gratitude for the recognition, saying, “It’s an honour 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.”
Parton’s health became a topic of concern last month when her sister publicly asked for prayers for the country star. Soon after, Parton canceled her Las Vegas residency. However, she reassured her fans by posting a video on Instagram, explaining that the cancellation was due to her husband Carl Dean’s declining health and eventual passing over the summer.
“I did have to cancel some things so I could be closer to home…where I’m having a few treatments here and there,” she explained, before adding, “But I’m not dying!” The Honorary Oscar, which Parton received, is awarded to individuals for their lifetime achievements or exceptional contributions to the motion picture industry.
Unlike traditional Oscars, the Honorary Oscar is presented for service to the Academy or significant impact behind the scenes. Alongside Parton, actor Tom Cruise also received the prestigious award for his decades-long contribution to Hollywood.
The Academy defines the Honorary Oscar as a statuette given to honor “extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement” or “outstanding service to the Academy.”
