She Won £115 Million Then Gave Away More Than Half. She Says Dolly Parton Inspired Her

Winning the lottery could change anyone’s life.

For Frances Connolly, it did — but perhaps not in the way most people would expect.

On New Year’s Day in 2019, Frances and her husband, Paddy, discovered they had won nearly £115 million, making it the fourth-biggest lottery win in British history at the time.

Frances had been a social worker and teacher. Suddenly, their lives had changed overnight.

In fact, things became so overwhelming that the couple left their home that very night with almost nothing after word of their incredible win began spreading.

Her first purchase as a millionaire?

Not a luxury car.
Not a mansion.
Not designer clothes.

A three-pack of underwear from Marks & Spencer.

But what Frances did with the money afterward is the part of her story that has touched so many people.

Since winning, Frances and Paddy have given away around £60 million to help others. They established two charitable trusts and supported causes ranging from loneliness projects and food parcels to providing caravans where young carers can finally take a much-needed break.

And Frances doesn’t even keep track of exactly how much she has given away.

She jokes that she would be worried about her husband finding out.

For Frances, giving isn’t about keeping score.

And the inspiration behind it comes from somewhere deeply personal.

Her father loved country music, and Dolly Parton was his favorite. Frances has often spoken about Dolly as an inspiration for the way she views wealth, kindness and helping others.

Her philosophy is simple: if becoming the richest person in the world and having influence over presidents is your goal, then keep your money.

But if you already have enough, why not share some of it?

Frances recently turned 60, and despite having millions of pounds, she says their life hasn’t fundamentally changed.

They still live the same life they always did.

They just live it bigger.

Her story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the greatest thing money can buy isn’t something you can keep.

It’s the chance to make someone else’s life a little easier.

And perhaps that’s exactly what Frances learned from Dolly: wealth means far more when it becomes kindness.