Dolly Parton’s extraordinary generosity and lifelong commitment to helping others will be honored at the 2027 Country Radio Seminar, where she will receive the prestigious Artist Humanitarian Award.
Dolly Parton Will Be Honored at Country Radio Seminar
Throughout her remarkable career, Parton became known not only for her music but also for her incredible philanthropy. She donated millions of dollars to charities, disaster relief efforts, children’s programs, medical research, and other causes close to her heart.
The Country Radio Broadcasters selected Parton for the award earlier this year and notified her before her passing on Aug. 25.
“The word ‘humanitarian’ is nearly synonymous with Dolly Parton,” CRS Executive Director RJ Curtis said. “Her decades of generosity and philanthropy speak for themselves, and CRB was honored when Dolly agreed to accept this recognition earlier this year.”
“Though she won’t be with us in person at CRS, her extraordinary spirit and enduring commitment to making the world a better place will continue to inspire us all.”
The Artist Humanitarian Award was established in 1990 and has previously been presented to artists including Eric Church, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Jason Aldean, and Kane Brown.
Dolly Parton Gave Millions to Help Others
Giving back was a major part of Parton’s legacy. Over the years, she supported disaster relief efforts, children’s organizations, medical research, and countless other causes.
Her Imagination Library became one of her most recognizable charitable efforts, providing millions of books to children around the world. She also made major donations to hospitals, research programs, and communities affected by disasters.
Among her notable contributions were $1 million for women’s health services at a hospital in her hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee, $1 million to the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains, and $1 million for pediatric cancer research at Vanderbilt.
She also donated $1 million toward COVID-19 research in 2020 and another $1 million for pediatric infectious disease research in 2022.
After Hurricane Helene devastated parts of East Tennessee in 2024, Parton donated $1 million of her own money and matched it through her Dollywood Foundation, bringing her total contribution to $2 million for relief efforts.
What Is Country Radio Seminar?
Country Radio Seminar is an annual gathering that brings together artists, radio broadcasters, record labels, promoters, and other members of the country music industry.
The event provides an opportunity for the industry to celebrate country music, discuss the future of the format, and find new ways to connect with fans.
The 2027 Country Radio Seminar is scheduled for March 17-19 in Nashville.
For Dolly Parton, the Artist Humanitarian Award represents another recognition of a legacy that extends far beyond music. Her generosity, compassion, and dedication to helping others have become an enduring part of the story she leaves behind.