Less than a year ago, Dolly donated Parton $ 1 million to her friend, dr. Naji Abumrad, to help develop the Modern Covid-19 vaccine at Vanderbuilt University. The country music legend told the world on Tuesday that she “got a shot of her own medicine” as Abumrad gave her first dose of vaccine to Parton.
Parton vaccinated a video of herself on Tuesday, saying she and Abumrad were ‘friends forever’.
“I thought it was just appropriate that today you be the one to give me a chance,” she said.
Tennessee began allowing vaccinations for ages 70 and older in early February. Parton is 75.
While the vaccination itself was the main purpose of the event, Parton did not hesitate to use the moment to sing a vaccine version of her hit song “Jolene” in an effort to encourage others to be vaccinated.
“Vaccination, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, I beg you, please do not hesitate,” she sang. “Vaccination, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, because once you die, it’s a little too late.”
The University of Vanderbilt’s medical center tweeted: “Dolly’s generous support has helped fund early research at Vanderbilt Health into what is now a vaccine that could help end the pandemic.”
Parton also used her platform on Tuesday to make a while for those planning not to be vaccinated.
“I’m old enough to get it and I’m smart enough to get it … The sooner we feel better, the sooner we will become normal again,” Parton said. “So I just want to say to all the cowards out there, don’t be such a chicken coop, go out there and get a chance.”
Moderna was the second COVID-19 vaccine approved for emergency use in the US and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is more than 94% effective in preventing COVID-19 in people receiving both doses.