Dolly Parton receives blessing of a lifetime after | Music News

Dolly Parton has expressed her delight in receiving a “blessing of a lifetime,” months after her husband Carl Dean’s death.

At the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 2025 Governors Awards held at the Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 16, the 79-year-old nation music icon was offered with an honorary Oscar.

Parton, who not too long ago shared a health update, obtained the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in recognition of her promotion of “human welfare and contributing to rectifying inequities” in the leisure industry.

The singing legend did not attend the event due to a “scheduling conflict,” but her longtime pal, Lily Tomlin, honored her with a speech and accepted the Oscar on her behalf.

Parton also despatched her gratitude to the Academy for the distinguished award in a pre-recorded video, in which she said (per Music News), “We didn’t have much to share, but my mama and dad showed me, by example, that the more you give, the more blessings come your way.”

After referencing her humble origins in East Tennessee, she added, “And I have tried my whole life to live by their example. And I have been blessed more than I ever thought possible, like with this award tonight.”

Parton also insisted it was an “honor just to be considered” for the award.

“To receive this? I mean, that’s a blessing of a lifetime,” she told the viewers as she held up the Oscar statuette.

She continued, “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.”

Earlier in the night time, Tomlin recalled how skilled Parton was on the set of the 1980 comedy, 9 to 5, which was her debut movie look.

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“During one rehearsal, I forgot a line, and (Dolly) recited it for me. She said that it was her first movie, so she thought she’d memorize the whole darn script. And she did. Even Dabney (Coleman)’s parts,” the 86-year-old actress joked.

She then praised her pal’s lifelong dedication to giving back, saying, “Dolly Parton is one of the few people who remain in this world that everyone loves and respects. Not just nine to five but 24 hours a day, every day of the year.”

Parton has been grieving the loss of her husband of 59 years, Carl Dean, who handed away on March 3, 2025, at age 82. He entrusted Parton with his complete property.

She not too long ago opened up about grieving to People, saying, “I’ve had to wear my heart on my sleeve for a long time now, and I cry easier than I used to.

“But it’s just leaving your life broad open for all people to look proper at you, proper through you and proper into you … I hope they see my coronary heart.”

The singer also assured fans she is still in good health and shared her outlook on aging as she approaches her 80th birthday.

The Jolene hitmaker is currently on the mend after suffering from kidney stones and an associated infection, which led her to postpone her live performances through December.

After unexpectedly canceling her shows, Dolly’s sister, Freida Parton, sparked panic after sharing that she was “up all night time praying” for the singer.

This later led Parton to share her own urgent video message to fans, in which she assured that she “ain’t lifeless yet.”

Speaking on her milestone birthday in January, she said, “People say, ‘Well, you’re going to be 80 years previous.’ Well, so what? Look at all I’ve achieved in 80 years. I really feel like I’m just getting began.”