Less than a year ago, Dolly Parton donated $ 1 million to help his friend, Dr. Naji Abumrad, develop Moderna Vaccine covid-19 at Vanderbuilt University. On Tuesday, the country music legend told the world that he “took a medicine” because Abumrad gave Parton the first dose of vaccine.
Parton posted a video on Twitter about which she was vaccinated on Tuesday, saying that she and Abumrad were “friends forever”.
“I thought it was only right for you to be the one to hit me today,” she said.
Tennessee began allowing vaccinations for those aged 70 and over in early February. Parton is 75 years old.
While getting the vaccine itself was the main goal of the event, Parton did not shy away from using the moment to sing a themed version of the vaccine from his hit song “Jolene” in an effort to encourage others to get vaccinated.
“Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, I beg you, please, don’t hesitate,” she sang. “Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, because once you’re dead, it’s a little late.”
Vanderbilt University Medical Center posted on Twitter that “Dolly’s generous support has helped fund early research at Vanderbilt Health into what is now a vaccine to help end the pandemic.”
Parton also used its platform on Tuesday to strike a blow at those who might plan to avoid vaccination.
“I’m big enough to get it and I’m smart enough to get it … The sooner we get better, the sooner we get back to normal,” Parton said. “So I just want to tell all the cowards out there, don’t be so squatting, go out and get shot.”
Modern was the second COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use in the United States and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is 94% more effective in preventing COVID-19 in people receiving both doses.