Country music icon the legendary Dolly Parton has announced that she is making a $1 million donation to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, which will go toward researching an interim treatment for the CCP virus, pending a vaccine, as the global pandemic continues.
On April 1, 2020, Parton made the announcement on Twitter. “My longtime friend Dr. Naji Abumrad, who’s been involved in research at Vanderbilt for many years,” the singer began, “informed me that they were making some exciting advancements towards research of the coronavirus for a cure.”
In a second post, Parton continued, “I am making a donation of $1 million to Vanderbilt towards that research and to encourage people that can afford it to make donations.”
Parton’s posts quickly garnered tens of thousands of supportive comments. “Thank you, Ms Parton,” one netizen responded. “Thank you, Vanderbilt and all of our brave healthcare workers!”
“I love you, Dolly Parton! You are an exceptional human being,” wrote another. “Those who have been tested in life show more compassion, it seems.”
“You are a true humanitarian,” added one netizen, “and just a wonderful soul.”
Vanderbilt University Medical Center also released a statement, thanking the iconic country singer for her generous gift to their research department. The $1 million donation, the university explained, will “support research for a bridge treatment that will save lives until a vaccine is identified.”
“[A] safe and effective vaccine,” researchers clarified, “is projected to be 12 to 18 months away.”
Appearing on NBC’s Today Show, Parton explained the impetus for her philanthropic deed. “What better time than right now; we need this,” she said. “I felt like this was the time for me to open my heart and my hand, and try to help.”
Jeff Balser, dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, expressed personal gratitude to the legendary singer Dolly Parton in a statement on the university’s website. “Dolly’s amazing generosity is a source of inspiration and will have a lasting impact on the battle against COVID-19,” Balser began.
“She cares so much about helping others and we are very grateful for her ongoing support,” the dean continued. “These funds will help us complete promising research that can benefit millions in their battle with the virus.”
In the wake of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, also called the novel coronavirus, outbreak, Parton’s philanthropy extends even beyond her $1 million contribution.
According to NBC San Diego, the “9-to-5” singer has also pledged to provide an imaginative escape for kids isolating at home. Parton will be reading a children’s book on YouTube every Thursday evening for 10 weeks, as of March 30, on behalf of her literacy charity, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Louise Chambers
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Louise Chambers is a writer, born and raised in London, England. She covers inspiring news and human interest stories.
