NASHVILLE, TN — Country music icon Dolly Parton accepted her first-ever honorary Oscar from home, delivering an emotional message of gratitude after pulling out of the 2025 Governors Awards ceremony.
Parton, 79, received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, one of the Academy’s highest recognitions, honoring her decades-long philanthropic work, including her literacy initiatives, disaster relief efforts, and broad humanitarian contributions.
A Heartfelt Message From Home
In a pre-recorded video, Parton opened with warmth and humor, thanking her longtime friend Lily Tomlin, who presented her award in person at the event. She reflected on her childhood growing up as one of 12 siblings, sharing how her family’s struggles shaped her lifelong commitment to giving.
She held the statuette close as she spoke:
“I’ve tried my whole life to live by their example, and I’ve been blessed more than I ever dreamed possible.”
The music legend emphasized that the honor inspires her to continue helping others, describing the award as “a blessing of a lifetime.”
She closed her message with the line that resonated across the ceremony and online:
“From my heart to yours, I truly thank you.”
Why She Missed the Ceremony
Parton withdrew from the Governors Awards due to a scheduling conflict, according to her representatives. While her absence sparked speculation, her team clarified that it was not primarily health-related. Parton has postponed some recent performances and is receiving medical treatments in Nashville, but remains active and engaged in her projects.
A Legacy of Humanitarian Impact
Parton is celebrated not only for her groundbreaking career in music and entertainment but also for her charitable work:
- Her Imagination Library has mailed hundreds of millions of free books to children around the world.
- The Dollywood Foundation has supported families impacted by natural disasters and funded a wide range of community programs.
Academy leadership praised her “unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes,” noting that her work has created lasting change for generations.
A Night of Honors
In addition to Parton’s humanitarian award, the ceremony also recognized Tom Cruise, Debbie Allen, and production designer Wynn Thomas with honorary Oscars, marking a star-studded night celebrating creative and humanitarian excellence.
Though Parton wasn’t physically present, her video acceptance became one of the most talked-about moments of the evening—another testament to her enduring influence and heartfelt connection with audiences worldwide.
References / Sources
- Press release from the Academy:
https://press.oscars.org/news/academy-honor-debbie-allen-tom-cruise-dolly-parton-and-wynn-thomas-2025-governors-awards - Coverage of Dolly Parton’s acceptance message:
https://www.aol.com/articles/dolly-parton-accepts-honorary-oscar-124607035.html - Additional reporting on her remarks:
https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/dolly-parton-accepts-honorary-oscar-says-she-s-been-blessed-beyond-dreams-101763383278821.html - Article covering the quote “From my heart to yours”:
https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2025/11/from-my-heart-to-yours-i-truly-thank-youa-a-dolly-parton-accepts-honorary-oscar-from-home-after-pulling-out-of-ceremony.html - Reporting on why she did not attend:
https://ew.com/dolly-parton-wont-accept-oscar-in-person-but-not-for-health-related-reasons-11821897 - Health update and virtual acceptance coverage:
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1358507-dolly-parton-virtually-accepts-first-oscar-after-giving-major-health-update - Coverage of other honorees at the Governors Awards:
https://apnews.com/article/a68f91739cab9ce7ed7a26cc11764213
