Dolly Parton Makes a Million Dollar Donation to COVID-19 Research
Country Icon Dolly Parton is more than a pretty face with a classic voice; she is also a citizen who cares about the well-being of her fellow Americans and is using her hard-earned money to fund a possible COVID-19 vaccination.
A medical journal revealed that the Dolly Parton COVID-19 Research Fund was responsible for funding the development of a vaccine by the biotechnology firm, Moderna. Parton donated one million dollars back in April, covering a large portion of the expenses for the research. When asked about her sizeable contribution on Today 3rd Hour, Parton said that she just wanted to do good. Her good deed could lead us to a vaccination for the virus that has impacted the world.
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
The Vanderbilt University Medical Center has been conducting research on a vaccine for almost a year. The university has credited Parton’s massive donation to the rapid process of the vaccine’s development. Moderna, based in Massachusetts, has reported their vaccination to be 94.5% effective. They are the second company to have such success with a vaccine; last week Pfizer released a report that their vaccine was more than 90% effective.
Yes, Dolly Parton part-funded research which went towards the Moderna vaccine which has reported 94.5% effectiveness. pic.twitter.com/tdyFWRnvsz— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) November 17, 2020
Parton began trending immediately on social media after the news spread of her charity. Supporters pointed out that the country star has had quite a year of social involvement. Parton was praised earlier in the year for voicing her support for the Black Lives Matter movement. When interviewed by Billboard, Parton showed her solidarity by making it known, “…of course Black Lives Matter.”
Many twitters used shared their appreciation for Parton using her own money to fund research that could help millions; while still pointing out that this is the type of work that should be done by our elected officials.
It’s cool living in Tennessee cause every year Dolly Parton does more for the state than all the elected leaders combined.— Deputy Dog (@yungsambino) November 18, 2020
As pharmaceutical companies race to finalize reports on their trials, the American people are anxious about what a vaccine means for the future. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the leading infectious disease expert, has projected a vaccine for Americans as early as April. However, a vaccine does not mean that Americans will return to any pre-COVID-19 normalcy. With rises in cases, many political leaders and medical experts still believe a mask mandate will be necessary to slow the spread.
Until we have a vaccine and the leadership to ensure that every American has access to it, the U.S. will have to continue to mask up, social distance, and practice good hygiene to stay safe.
