Jeff Bezos, the creator of Amazon, has stated that he intends to donate the majority of his $124 billion fortune throughout his lifetime.
The businessman informed CNN that he will dedicate his fortune to combating climate change and decreasing inequality.
He has been criticized in the past for not vowing to donate his riches to charity.
Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, have all pledged to donate their fortunes.
Mr. Bezos disclosed his intentions after donating $100 million to Dolly Parton for charitable causes.
CNN asked Mr. Bezos if he planned to give away the majority of his wealth throughout his lifetime, to which he replied, “Yes, I do.”
He declined to specify where he would spend or donate the money, but stated, “The difficult thing is figuring out how to leverage it.”
Previous charitable giving
The multibillionaire gave $10 billion to the Bezos Earth Fund, which he established in 2020 to combat climate change.
Mr. Bezos and other entrepreneurs were criticized for spending enormous sums of money on space travel rather than tackling problems on Earth, prompting this decision. In the past, Amazon had also been criticized by its employees for its stance on climate change.
Mr. Bezos became one of the world’s wealthiest individuals after Amazon, the online shop he launched in 1994, became a worldwide phenomenon.
In 2021, he resigned as Amazon’s chief executive officer, while he remains the company’s board chairman. He also owns the Washington Post and Blue Origin, a space tourism corporation.
Mr. Bezos presented Ms. Parton with the Bezos Courage & Decency Award on Sunday, which honors leaders who “pursue solutions with courage and civility.”
Ms. Parton, who has supported causes such as literacy for children, will be allowed to distribute the money to the charity of her choosing.
Ms. Sanchez told CNN, “We couldn’t have dreamed of a greater recipient for this prize than Dolly, and we know she’ll achieve amazing things with it.”
In an online video of the ceremony, Dolly Parton stated: “Wow! Did you say $100m?”
She went on: “I believe those in a position to assist should put their money where their hearts are. I will do my best to invest this money wisely.”
Mr. Bezos inaugurated the honor in 2021, with prizes going to activist Van Jones and chef and humanitarian Jose Andres, who founded World Central Kitchen, an organization that supplies food to areas affected by natural disasters.
This month, Dolly Parton, a singer-songwriter, actor, businesswoman, and philanthropist, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
She has been a prominent benefactor and started the Dollywood Foundation, which has distributed books to children all around the world.
