Dolly Parton was unable to attend the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Governors Awards, but that didn’t stop her from making her first public appearance since her recent health scare.
Dolly Parton Made Her First Public Appearance
The “9 to 5” artist, 79, accepted the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 16th Governors Awards and addressed fans with a touching video message.
“Well, hi everybody. I want to thank my good buddy Lily Tomlin for presenting me with this award,” Dolly began in the video acceptance speech. “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. Now, that alone teaches you how important sharing is.”
She 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. Well, like this award tonight.”
The beloved singer — who has appeared as a guest mentor on “The Voice,” as well as a guest judge on “American Idol” — donned a sparkly gold dress, which perfectly complemented her statuette, for her video appearance.
“It’s an honor just to be considered, but to receive this? Now that’s the blessing of a lifetime. I don’t take this kind of thing lightly,” Parton continued. “It makes me want to dream up new ways to help lift people up. Isn’t that what we’re supposed to be here for? So from my heart to yours, I truly thank you.”
Dolly Parton Addressed Her Health Scare
While it was previously announced that she would be missing the 16th Governors Awards, the “Jolene” artist was forced to postpone her Las Vegas residency due to health concerns earlier this year.
“I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts,” she wrote via Instagram in September. “As many of you know, I’ve been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures. As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000 check-up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!”
She explained that in no way does the postponement mean she’s “quittin’ the business,” but she would be unable “to rehearse and put together the show that I want you to see.”
“God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet,” she continued. “But I believe He is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you. I love you and thank you for understanding.”
Parton tragically lost her husband of Carl in March after nearly 60 years of marriage.
