Dolly Parton to Receive Honorary Oscar for a Lifetime of Artistry and Humanity
Dolly Parton is set to receive a prestigious Honorary Oscar this November—a crowning achievement in a career spanning seven decades of music, film, and philanthropy.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently announced it will present Dolly with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 2025 Governors Awards gala.
This Honorary Award recognizes “extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy.”
Parton’s award celebrates not only her artistic impact—with two previous Oscar nominations for her songs “9 to 5” and “Travelin’ Thru”—but also her decades of philanthropic leadership.
Best known as a music icon, Dolly has released 49 studio albums and sold over 100 million records worldwide, dominating the country charts with hits like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Her humanitarian work shines through programs like the Dollywood Foundation and the Imagination Library, which has delivered over 284 million free books to children globally.
The Imagination Library, launched in 1995, mails a free book each month to children from birth until age five—fueling literacy and education across multiple countries.
At 79 years old, Dolly’s career continues to evolve: earlier this year she released If You Hadn’t Been There, a tribute to her late husband Carl Dean.
The Academy’s Board of Governors emphasized Dolly’s philanthropic spirit, saying she exemplifies the values of the Jean Hersholt Award through her unwavering efforts.
She’ll share the stage at the November 16 ceremony in Los Angeles with fellow honorees Tom Cruise, Debbie Allen, and Wynn Thomas.
Cruise is being honored for his five-decade contribution to cinema and stunt-driven filmmaking, while Allen and Thomas are recognized for their roles in choreography and production design.
This Honorary Oscar adds to Dolly’s long list of accolades, which include 11 Grammy Awards, multiple Tony and Emmy acknowledgements, and inductions into numerous halls of fame.
Critics and fans alike view this honor as a fitting recognition of Dolly’s ability to transcend entertainment—combining hit music, acting, and compassionate advocacy.
For Dolly, the award isn’t just a trophy—it’s a nod to her lifelong commitment to using fame for good, notably through her educational and literacy initiatives.
With this honor, Dolly Parton’s legacy continues to grow, proving that true greatness lies not just in talent, but in using it to lift others.
