LOS ANGELES, June 17, 2025 — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revealed its 2025 Governors Awards honorees, and among the distinguished group is country music legend Dolly Parton, who will be presented with the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award—an honorary Oscar—this November .
⭐ What’s Being Honored
The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award is reserved for “an individual in the motion picture arts and sciences whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry by promoting human welfare and contributing to rectifying inequities”
Parton, who has already earned two Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song (“9 to 5” and “Travelin’ Thru”), is receiving this honor in recognition of her decades-long philanthropic impact. Through her Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library, she has provided over 285 million books to young children—an initiative celebrated by the Academy as embodying the very essence of the Hersholt Award
🏆 The Other Honorees
Parton joins an illustrious slate of awardees at the November 16 event at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles:
- Tom Cruise: Receiving an Honorary Oscar for his stellar acting career and pioneering contributions to theatrical cinema and stunt work.
- Debbie Allen: Celebrated choreographer, actress, and producer, recognized for her influential work both on screen and behind the scenes.
- Wynn Thomas: Esteemed production designer noted for his visionary artistry in films such as Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X, and A Beautiful Mind
📅 What Comes Next
The 16th Governors Awards ceremony, an intimate yet star-studded affair, will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom—just ahead of the 2026 Oscars
Why It Matters
A Philanthropic Icon: At 79, Dolly Parton isn’t just a music and film legend—she’s a global humanitarian whose literacy initiatives have impacted millions.A Non-Competitive Oscar: The Hersholt Award isn’t about artistic accolades—it honors individuals whose altruism reflects Hollywood’s highest values.A Stellar Lineup: This year’s Govs Awards will celebrate four iconic figures whose contributions extend far beyond the screen into shaping the industry itself.🎉 Conclusion
Yes—the headline is absolutely true. Dolly Parton will receive a well-earned honorary Academy Award at the Governors Awards, not for her blockbuster hits like 9 to 5, but for her heartfelt efforts to improve lives through education and charity. It’s an Oscar for the heart—and few deserve it more.