Dolly Parton receives COVID vaccine she helped fund: “A dose of her own medicine”

Less than a year ago, Dolly Parton made a donation $ 1 million to help her friend, Dr Naji Abumrad, develop Moderna Covid-19 vaccine at Vanderbuilt University. The country music legend told the world on Tuesday that she “received an injection of her own medicine”, as Albumrad gave Parton her first dose of the vaccine.

Parton tweeted a video of herself getting the vaccine on Tuesday, claiming that she and Abumrad were “friends forever.”

“I thought it was very fitting that you were the one to give me my chance today,” she said.

Tennessee began allowing vaccination for people aged 70 and over in early February. Parton is 75 years old.

While the vaccine itself was the main focus of the event, Parton didn’t hesitate to use the moment to sing a vaccine-themed version of his hit song “Jolene” with the aim of encourage others to get vaccinated.

“Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, I beg you, do not hesitate,” she sang. “Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, because once you’re dead, it’s a little too late.”

Vanderbilt University Medical Center tweeted that “Dolly’s generous support helped fund early research at Vanderbilt Health into what is now a vaccine that is helping end the pandemic.”

Parton also used his platform on Tuesday to give a shot to those who may be considering avoiding getting the shot.

“I’m old enough to get it and I’m smart enough to get it. … The sooner we feel better, the faster we will get back to normal,” Parton said. “So I just want to say to all of you cowards, don’t be a chicken squat, come out and shoot.”

Moderna was the second COVID-19 vaccine cleared for emergency use in the United States and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is over 94% effective in preventing COVID-19 in people who receive both doses.