It has been revealed that country music icon, Dolly Parton donated $1M to the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, which boasts nearly 95% protection from the virus. An article published in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed the philanthropic star donated her own money to aid research by the Vanderbilt University Medical Center – which has played a keyhole in the development of the vaccine – at the start of the pandemic.
“Dolly’s amazing generosity is a source of inspiration and will have a lasting impact on the battle against COVID-19,” Jeff Balser, the dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine said in April when Parton originally donated a substantial chunk of change. “She cares so much about helping others and we are very grateful for her ongoing support. These funds will help us complete promising research that can benefit millions in their battle with the virus.”
But it seems none were more surprised by the news that her donation had played such a key role than Dolly herself. Watch her (humbly) explain below.
When I donated the money to the Covid fund I just wanted it to do good and evidently, it is! Let’s just hope we can find a cure real soon. pic.twitter.com/dQgDWexO0C
… Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) November 17, 2020
Dolly Parton first became aquatinted with Dr Abumrad back in 2014 when she was involved in a car accident underwent treatment at Vanderbilt Medical Centre. In April, she wrote on Instagram: “My longtime friend Dr Naji Abumrad, who’s been involved in research at Vanderbilt for many years, informed me that they were making some exciting advancements towards that research of the coronavirus for a cure. I am making a donation of $1 million to Vanderbilt towards that research and to encourage people that can afford it to make donations.”
Now, if Dolly hadn’t already brought enough joy to the year’s end, the country icon decided to release an early Christmas album last month, her first in 30 years, because she thought the world could use some festive spirit.
“I figured since everybody probably wouldn’t get to celebrate Christmas as usual this year, I wanted to be creative instead of sitting around at the house this summer.”
“I’m just hoping that you’re gonna love it as much as we loved putting it together. So. enjoy and MERRY CHRISTMAS!”
Order A Holly Dolly Christmas & festive merch bundles, HERE.
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