Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is opening up about what he plans to do with his net worth over the course of his lifetime.
During an interview with CNN, Bezos was asked if he plans to give away the majority of his wealth.
“Yeah, I do and the hard part is figuring out how to do it in a levered way,” Bezos said.
He added, “It’s not easy. Building Amazon was not easy. It took a lot of hard work, a bunch of very smart teammates, hard-working teammates, and I’m finding — and I think Lauren is finding the same thing — that charity, philanthropy, is very similar.”
According to Bezos, “There are a bunch of ways that I think you could do ineffective things, too.”
Watch Bezos’ comments below:
Exclusive: Jeff Bezos tells CNN that he'll give away the majority of his $124 billion net worth during his lifetime, the first time he's made such a promise. https://t.co/aqehwBAvw2 pic.twitter.com/hFUdLa9GYZ
— CNN (@CNN) November 14, 2022
Over the weekend, Bezos and his partner, Lauren Sanchez, announced they would be giving Dolly Parton the Bezos Courage and Civility Award.
“Jeff and I are so proud to share that we have a new Bezos Courage and Civility Award winner — a woman who gives with her heart and leads with love and compassion in every aspect of her work,” Sanchez wrote on Instagram.
She added, “We can’t wait to see all the good that you’re going to do with this $100 million award.”
Parton later tweeted, “I try to put my money where my heart is. I will do my best to do good things with this money. Thank you.”
I try to put my money where my heart is. I will do my best to do good things with this money ❤️ Thank you @JeffBezos #LaurenSanchez https://t.co/8RHh51z3jT
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) November 13, 2022
Bezos commented on choosing Parton during the interview with CNN.
“Look at what she’s done and how she’s led her life,” Bezos said.
He then called her a “unifier.”
The New York Times noted Bezos has a net worth of $124 million.
His ex-wife, philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, recently gave away close to $4 billion to more than 400 organizations over the course of less than a year in 2020.