Jun 16, 2022 - News

Dolly Parton donates $1 million to VUMC

Adam Tamburin

Dolly Parton with VUMC doctor Naji Abumrad. — Dolly Parton with her longtime friend, VUMC doctor Naji Abumrad. Photo: courtesy of Dolly Parton

Tennessee's mountain angel Dolly Parton announced another $1 million donation to Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Wednesday.

Why it matters: Parton's latest gift will go toward the study of pediatric infectious diseases.

"No child should ever have to suffer, and I'm willing to do my part to try and keep as many of them as I can as healthy and safe as possible," Parton said.

Flashback: Parton has supported VUMC for years. In April 2020, she gave $1 million to support COVID-19 research.

That donation powered the work behind Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine and other treatments.
Parton previously donated to the pediatric cancer program at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Between the lines: Parton dedicated multiple VUMC donations to her friend Naji Abumrad, a VUMC doctor and professor of surgery.

The bottom line: "Dolly's previous support to infectious disease research, and also our pediatric cancer program, has already saved countless lives," VUMC president and CEO Jeff Balser said in a statement.

"This new gift will bolster our defenses against future threats to the safety of this region and society as a whole."

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Dolly Parton donates $1 million to VUMC

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