Dolly Parton becomes only recipient to skip Governor Awards: ‘I truly thank you’

Dolly Parton skipped the Governor Awards ceremony on November 16 and instead pre-recorded a speech as one of the recipients of this year’s honourary Oscars.

The country music icon and actress received a Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her philanthropic work, presented by fellow actress, comedian, and a lifelong friend, Lily Tomlin.

“Dolly Parton is one of the few people who remain in this world, someone that everyone loves and respects,” Tomlin said while honouring her friend. “Not just ‘9 to 5’ but 24 hours a day, every day of the year.”

Though Parton’s health has been a subject of speculation for a while now, a representative from her team told USA TODAY that she was forced to miss the Academy’s latest ceremony “due to a scheduling conflict when they first approached us.”

“From my heart to yours, I truly thank you,” she said in her acceptance speech.

Dolly Parton was one of the four honourary recipients at this year’s Governor Awards alongside Tom Cruise, choreographer Debbie Allen, and production designer Wynn Thomas .