Inaugural Dwight D. Opperman Excellence in Leadership Award to Be Presented at the Library of Congress

John Travolta, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud and the Late Dolly Parton to Be Honored at a Historic Evening of Distinction

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 1, 2026, the Dwight D. Opperman Foundation will present the inaugural Dwight D. Opperman Excellence in Leadership Award at the Library of Congress. The evening will honor four extraordinary figures whose contributions have shaped culture, justice, diplomacy and the lives of children worldwide: John Travolta as Cultural Icon; Justice Anthony M. Kennedy for Service to Justice; HRH Ambassador Reema Bandar Al-Saud for Service to Diplomacy; and, posthumously, Dolly Parton for Philanthropy, accompanied by a $1 million gift to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program of The Dollywood Foundation.

The magnificent 1897 Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress will provide the backdrop for the evening's festivities. Following a welcome by Acting Librarian of Congress Robert R. Newlen, Award Chairman David M. Rubenstein will deliver the inaugural address. Mr. Rubenstein said the Award will be conferred upon individuals whose lives demonstrate the highest achievements in public service and lasting cultural impact. Speaking of the legal community's iconic pioneer for whom the Award is named, he said, "Dwight D. Opperman understood that leadership is not merely the exercise of power, but the disciplined cultivation of institutions, ideas and people so that they may outlast any single generation." He added, "It is in this spirit that we recognize those who have advanced the rule of law, the art of diplomacy, the enrichment of culture and the transformative power of literacy."

Mr. Rubenstein said Justice Kennedy reminds us that the judiciary's highest calling is to safeguard liberty while strengthening the bonds of a free society. "In an age of rapid change, Justice Kennedy's example teaches us that true leadership requires courage, conviction and humility before the law." Award Vice-Chairman Brendan V. Sullivan, Jr., the legendary lawyer, said, "Justice Kennedy's opinions still shape the meaning of liberty and equal protection." Justice Kennedy will be introduced by Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr.

John Travolta is a two-time Academy Award nominee, Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner, and recipient of the honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Reflecting on his career, Mr. Rubenstein noted, "Through performances of lasting artistry and a brilliant career defined by versatility and resilience, John has shown that cultural icons carry a responsibility: to elevate the human story, to entertain without trivializing, and to remind successive generations of the joys and seriousness of creative expression." He added, "But perhaps most importantly, John Travolta reminds us that nice guys finish first." Dwight D. Opperman Foundation Chairman Julie Opperman called Mr. Travolta "quite possibly the most universally beloved and respected star of our time." She added, "Beyond his commercial success, John Travolta has sustained a public presence marked by professionalism, discipline, generosity of spirit, and a consistent willingness to engage with the responsibilities that accompany his stature. Cultural influence carries weight indeed — and John Travolta is the heavyweight champ." Justice Kennedy said, "John Travolta's humble origins and great talent, coupled with extraordinary perseverance, have made him a cultural icon that will be remembered for generations to come." Mr. Travolta will be introduced by his daughter, Ella Bleu Travolta.

Saudi Arabia's first woman ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Reema has distinguished herself through significant contributions to the Washington diplomatic community. Mr. Rubenstein said, "Saudi Arabia's exemplary ambassador has demonstrated with determination and excellence that bridge-building across cultures and continents is not a soft skill, but an essential instrument of peace and mutual understanding." Mr. Sullivan added, "Ambassador Reema has guided vital bilateral relationships through periods of high tension, but also of real opportunity, conducting her duties with wisdom, patience, and unwavering focus on mutual interest." Ambassador Reema will be introduced by Doro Bush Koch.

The iconic Dolly Parton is being honored posthumously for a part of her legacy far less recognized than her remarkable career in entertainment: the Imagination Library. Begun in 1995 as a local effort in her home county in East Tennessee, the program has grown into an international initiative that mails a free book each month to children from birth to age five, regardless of family income, in five countries. It has now gifted more than 300 million books. By mailing books directly to children's homes, Ms. Parton addressed a fundamental barrier to literacy and opportunity, and she called the Imagination Library her proudest achievement. The program's ties to the Library of Congress run deep: its 100 millionth book was dedicated to the Library in 2018, and in 2021 the Library awarded it the David M. Rubenstein Prize.

Julie Opperman, for whom books were equally formative, said, "Four libraries changed my life as an immigrant child in this country: the Chicago Public Library, the Scottsdale Public Library, the New York Public Library and the Library of Congress." She added, "On behalf of the Dwight D. Opperman Foundation, we want to help awaken the imagination of more children by honoring Dolly Parton's legacy with the Philanthropy Award and a $1 million gift to her Imagination Library." Kathie Lee Gifford, Ms. Parton's friend of decades and a widely loved American entertainer, will accept the Award on her behalf.

Founding Members of the Dwight D. Opperman Excellence in Leadership Award are Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, David M. Rubenstein, Brendan V. Sullivan, Jr., former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Baroness Fiona Shackleton, Dr. Omar Mir, Brigitte Bren, Dr. Alexander Mirtchev, Erik Bethel, Ahmet Oren, Howard Lorber and Amy Baier. Dwight D. Opperman Foundation President Matthew Umhofer said, "Our highly esteemed and diverse Founding Members, from all corners of the world, are committed to the Foundation's cause of elevating and celebrating leadership as we launch with the Award and expand into programs designed to help young adults succeed and lead future generations."

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SOURCE Dwight D. Opperman Foundation