Dolly Parton is looking back at her legacy with a heart full of gratitude. Despite being unable to physically attend the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Governors Awards on November 16 due to her recent health concerns, she gracefully accepted her Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award via a heartfelt video message, reflecting on the journey that led her to this most recent milestone.
"Well, hi everybody," Dolly said, wearing a gold top to match her Oscar. "I want to thank my good buddy Lily Tomlin for presenting me with this award. Hi Lily, I love you. I also want to thank the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for this great honor. I grew up in a house with 12 kids, and that alone teaches you how important sharing is."
The country icon continued, "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. And I have tried my whole life to live by their example. And I've been blessed more than I ever dreamed possible, just like this award tonight."
At the ceremony, where Tom Cruise, Wynn Thomas, and Debbie Allen were also honored, Dolly was recognized for her decades-long humanitarian efforts, including her Dollywood Foundation and her literacy program, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. "It's an honor just to be considered," the 9 to 5 star said in her acceptance speech. "But to receive this, I mean, that's a blessing of a lifetime. And I don't take this kind of thing lightly. 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's emphatic message comes as she has shut down rumors about her poor health. After canceling a few recent appearances and pushing back her Las Vegas residency a year, Dolly's sister Freida Parton sparked renewed concern with a Facebook post asking for prayers. Despite Freida and her sister Stella Parton setting the record straight soon after, Dolly formally addressed rumors about her health in an Instagram clip shared on October 8.
"I wanted to put everybody's mind at ease, those of you that seem to be real concerned," Dolly began. "Which I appreciate—and I appreciate your prayers because I am a person of faith—I can always use the prayers for anything and everything." She went on to admit that it wasn't until after Carl's passing that she began to focus more on her health. "I want you to know that I'm OK, I've got some problems as I mentioned," she continued. "Back when my husband Carl was very sick, that was for a long time and then when he passed, I didn't take care of myself, so I let a lot of things go that I should've been taking care of."
Despite this, Dolly emphasized that she is still very much ready to rock. "I don't think God is through with me," she added later, "and I ain't done working. So I love you for caring and keep praying for me."
