Dolly Parton Donates $1 Million to Vanderbilt University for Coronavirus Research
Dolly Parton is donating $1 million to Vanderbilt University for medical research on the treatment and cure of the coronavirus.
“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,” she wrote in a statement posted to Instagram.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center released a statement, thanking Parton for her generosity.
“We are incredibly grateful to Dolly (@DollyParton) for believing in our doctors and researchers as we work hard to fight COVID-19,” Vanderbilt University Medical Center said.
During the coronavirus pandemic, Parton is also reading children’s books live on her YouTube channel once a week. She previously said the hope is that the readings “give kids and families a welcome distraction during a time of unrest and also inspire a love of reading and books.”
The readings are in conjunction with her Imagination Library project, an effort that delivers monthly books to children.
“Goodnight with Dolly” live readings are streamed Thursdays at 7 p.m. ET.
Parton is one of many celebrities making donations toward helping slow the global pandemic.
Rihanna’s The Clara Lionel Foundation and Jay-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation each gave $1 million to coronavirus response efforts, while Kylie Jenner also donated $1 million to buy personal protective equipment for healthcare workers.
“From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU @kyliejenner,” Dr. Thaïs Aliabad wrote on Instagram. “You are my hero. This generous donation will help save many precious lives.”
Ryan Reynolds and wife Blake Lively also donated $1 million to food charities Feeding America and Food Banks Canada.
“Remember the love that can travel through all this,” Lively said in a post. “Communities are stepping up – shopping for the elderly, making lunches for children. We can all do something for one another, even if that’s simply staying home.”
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Terry Wyatt/Stringer
Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.
