The world has yet another reason to love Dolly Parton. The Queen of Country bestowed $1 million to Covid-19 research last April. Fast-forward to November, when the record shows her kindness and generosity are paying off.
It’s been revealed this week that the money was used to help fund research for the development of Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccine. It’s the second Covid-19 vaccine, following Pfizer’s lead. This one comes with a success rate of 95 percent. “The Dolly Parton Covid-19 Research Fund” is listed among the funding and disclosures forms filed for the vaccine.
“I felt like this was the time for me to open my heart and my hand and try to help,” Parton said during an April appearance on the “Today” show.
Parton’s generous donation came about because of her friendship with Dr Naji Abumrad of the Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee.
Parton stepped up after Abumrad told her that they were making “some exciting advancements” in the search for a Covid-19 cure.
The first batch of the vaccine could be available by the end of 2021, according to Moderna, which is applying for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Parton’s philanthropic and compassionate gifts are as noteworthy as her songs in her resume.
Her Imagination Library has provided free books to children from birth until age five in participating communities within the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Republic of Ireland.
She also has given generously to the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, Save the Music Foundation and the Boot Campaign, an organization that donates proceeds to military veterans, especially those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“So many people, regular folks and celebrities, send out love and sincere thanks to you for keeping us safe and fighting for our freedom,” Dolly posted in 2011. “Let me add to that loving list. Thank you from the bottom of my country heart. I will always love you.”
And America will always love Dolly for many reasons. See above.
Click here for a copy of the preliminary report on the vaccine.
