Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is giving Dolly Parton $150 million

The billionaire Amazon founder has announced he’s giving country music legend Dolly Parton the eye-watering sum – and there’s a special reason why.

Her big heart will go a long way.

Iconic singer and philanthropist Dolly Parton has received a $AU150 million award from Amazon founder and billionaire Jeff Bezos.

The Jolene singer has been tapped as the latest recipient of the “Bezos Courage & Civility Award”, which goes to leaders who “pursue solutions with courage and civility”.

As the honoree, Parton, 76, will be able to choose which charities to gift the money to.

The Blue Origin owner announced the stunning award on Saturday with his longtime partner, news anchor Lauren Sanchez.

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Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez made the announcement. Picture: Michael Tran / AFP

Dolly was thrilled to be chosen for the honour. Picture: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

“Jeff [Bezos] and I are so proud to share that we have a new Bezos Courage and Civility Award winner — a woman who gives with her heart and leads with love and compassion in every aspect of her work,” Bezos’ longtime partner, Lauren Sanchez, posted on Instagram alongside a video of their speech before awarding the grant to the legendary star.

“We can’t wait to see all the good that you’re going to do with this $100 million award, @DollyParton.”

In a video clip of the ceremony posted online, the singer-songwriter blurted out: “Wow! Did you say (USD) $100 million?”

“I think people who are in a position to help should put their money where their heart is. I will do my best to do good things with this money,” she added.

Chosen charities will benefit greatly from Dolly’s contribution. Picture: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

A longtime activist and philanthropist, Parton donated $1.5 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s vaccine research efforts during the coronavirus pandemic. Her contributions helped fund Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccine.

She’s also founded charities including the Dollywood Foundation, which focuses on education and poverty relief. She later established the Imagination Library, a program that helps children around the world access books.

This story originally appeared on New York Post and was reproduced with permission