Dolly Parton’s extensive record of charitable acts is widely acknowledged, with her sister, Stella Parton, sharing a heartfelt anecdote that illustrates the deep-seated nature of Dolly’s giving spirit.
Stella revealed on Instagram that she and Dolly used to have early morning coffee conversations over the phone every Tuesday. In one of their last talks, Dolly expressed her willingness to undergo experimental treatments even if there was no hope for her, solely to advance medical knowledge for the benefit of others.
Although inquiries to Dolly Parton’s publicist regarding her involvement in experimental treatments went unanswered, her significant contribution to medical research is well-documented. In November 2020, Dolly donated $1 million to Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center for COVID-19 research, aiding in the development of the Moderna mRNA coronavirus vaccine.
Dolly made headlines when she received her first vaccine dose on camera, serenading the moment with a rendition of her hit song “Jolene” featuring modified lyrics urging others to get vaccinated. Dr. Naji Abumrad, who administered her vaccine, became a close friend of Dolly’s after their initial meeting at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2013.
A recent opinion piece by Jad Abumrad, creator of the podcast “Dolly Parton’s America” and son of Dr. Abumrad, shared that his father was by Dolly’s side in her final moments. Stella Parton praised her sister as a remarkably generous and kind-hearted person, urging others to emulate Dolly’s example of leaving a positive impact on the world.