Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, told CNN that he intends to donate the majority of his $124 billion fortune to charity during his lifetime.
According to Bezos, he and his partner Lauren Sánchez are “creating the capacity to give away this money.” CNN reported that the businessman declined to designate a donation percentage or provide details about where he would likely direct his money.
Critics have criticized the world’s fourth-wealthiest person for a lack of philanthropic focus, an issue highlighted by the humanitarian actions of his ex-wife, Mackenzie Scott, who divorced Bezos in 2019 and is worth about $24 billion. Bezos, unlike many of the world’s wealthiest individuals, including Scott, has not signed the Giving Pledge, a commitment to devote the majority of one’s wealth to charity.
Referring to contributing his fortune, Bezos added, “It’s not easy.” “Creating Amazon was not simple. It required a great deal of effort, a large number of intelligent and hard-working partners, and I’m finding — and I believe Lauren is discovering the same — that charity and philanthropy are very comparable.”
He said, “There are a variety of ineffective actions you may take, in my opinion. Therefore, considerable consideration is required, and the team must consist of exceptional individuals.”
As part of their vow to donate, the pair presented Dolly Parton with a $100 million Courage and Civility award. Sanchez stated on Friday, when the award was announced, that the money will be donated to the recipient’s choice of charity.
“When you think of Dolly, everyone smiles, right?,” Sánchez told CNN. She is simply radiating light. And all she desires is to bring light into the lives of others. Therefore, we could not have dreamed of a more deserving recipient than Dolly, and we are confident that she will achieve incredible things with the prize.”