As if Dolly Parton wasn’t already one of America’s most beloved national treasures, her donation of $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for COVID-19 research certainly cements that distinction, especially in light of the encouraging results that have come out of Vanderbilt’s collaboration with Moderna Inc.

Those research organizations along with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health announced their newly developed vaccine is more than 94% effective in preventing COVID-19, according to the journal, Nature.

Parton, 74, is no stranger to philanthropy, and largely focuses her generosity on her home state of Tennessee, so it makes sense that she would donate to Vanderbilt University’s research.

On April 1, the singer-songwriter tweeted about her donation:

I am making a donation of $1 million to Vanderbilt towards that research and to encourage people that can afford it to make donations. 

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 research of the coronavirus for a cure. 

 According to a press release from Vanderbilt University, Parton told NBC’s Today Show, she hoped the money could help find a treatment until a viable vaccine was available. She said, “What better time right now? We need this. I felt like this was the time for me to open my heart and my hand, and try to help.” 

Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, President and CEO of VUMC and Dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine said of Parton in a statement, “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.” 

Dolly Parton – Her life and career together make a rags-to-rhinestones story which began on January 19, 1946. Born the fourth child of 12, Dolly grew up in Locust Ridge, nestled against the Great Smoky Mountains. Music runs deep in the Parton family and while many played important parts in Dolly’s success, she credits Uncle Bill Owens for helping her get started in the music business. From taking the stage of “The Cas Walker Farm and Home Hour” in Knoxville, TN, to landing a spot on “The Porter Wagoner Show,” Dolly’s talent soon catapulted her to super-stardom. Her songs have captured the hearts of generations. Her electric smile has brightened the lives of millions. Her trademark style is recognized across the globe. Today, Dolly is one of an elite group of individuals to receive at least one nomination from all four major annual American entertainment award organizations; Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar, and Tony. In 2004, the U.S. Library of Congress gave her the distinguished Living Legend Award. In 2006, she was selected to receive the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors. Five years later in 2011, she was awarded a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award.

“My dream was to make as many people happy as I could in this life.”

Of everything Dolly has achieved, she remains humble and grounded in faith and family. From her “Coat of Many Colors” to her wigs of many styles, no dream was ever too big and no mountain ever too high for the little country girl who turned the world into her stage. From singing barefoot on the front porch of her Tennessee Mountain Home to commanding the stage in six-inch heels, Dolly Parton is a larger-than-life living legend with a heart as big as her dreams.

FOR MORE ON DOLLY PARTON, GO TO HER WEBSITE: https://www.dollyparton.com
THANKS FOR THE MUSIC DOLLY!