Dolly Parton Accepts 2022 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy with Humility and Heart
In October 2022, legendary singer, songwriter, and humanitarian Dolly Parton was honored with one of the most prestigious recognitions in global philanthropy—the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy. Known just as much for her giving spirit as for her iconic voice, Dolly accepted the award in her signature fashion: with humility, humor, and a heart as big as her legacy.
Presented by the Carnegie family of institutions, the medal recognizes individuals who have dedicated their private wealth to the public good, echoing the vision of steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Dolly stood proudly among other world-changing recipients, but as always, she redirected the spotlight.
“I’m just trying to put my money where my heart is,” she said simply during her acceptance. “I never set out to be a philanthropist. I just saw things that needed to be done—and tried to do my part.”
Dolly’s contributions over the decades span education, disaster relief, medical research, and childhood literacy, most notably through her Imagination Library, which has gifted over 200 million books to children across five countries. Her $1 million donation in 2020 to Vanderbilt University Medical Center helped fund research that contributed to the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine—a gesture that received global praise.
In her speech at the Carnegie ceremony in New York City, Dolly emphasized the importance of lifting others through kindness and action, not just words or wealth. “You don’t have to be rich to give,” she said. “Sometimes the smallest things—like a book, a song, or a kind word—can change a life.”
The event was a powerful reminder that Dolly Parton’s influence extends far beyond the stage. With every act of generosity, she continues to embody the values of compassion, humility, and service—quietly shaping lives and communities in ways that headlines often overlook.
As the audience gave her a standing ovation, it was clear that this medal wasn’t just a tribute to her philanthropy—it was a celebration of who Dolly Parton truly is: a woman who gives not because she must, but because she can—and because it’s right.
In receiving the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, Dolly Parton once again proved that her most powerful legacy may not be her music, but the lives she’s touched along the way.