(NPR) Dolly Parton has famously used her success to help others, especially in areas of literacy and education. She just got a huge boost in those efforts: a $100 million gift from billionaire Jeff Bezos.
“Did you say a hundred million?!” Parton said after Bezos announced the gift over the weekend.
Parton can use the money to support any charitable cause she chooses, similar to the deal Bezos made last year when he gave $100 million each to humanitarian chef José Andrés and activist/pundit Van Jones.
“I try to put my money where my heart is,” Parton said of receiving the Courage and Civility award. “I will do my best to do good things with this money.”
Parton’s ongoing charitable projects include the Imagination Library, a popular literacy effort that is now closing in on sending its 200 millionth free book to young children in five countries.
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Unlike last year’s award, Bezos did not announce his largesse just after returning from space — a juxtaposition that immediately raised questions about his commitment to helping others.
