Dolly Parton’s extensive legacy of charitable giving has been extensively chronicled, and a heartfelt message from her sister sheds light on the depth of her altruism. Stella Parton shared on Instagram how she and Dolly used to start their Tuesdays by having early morning coffee chats over the phone.
During one of their final conversations, Dolly expressed her willingness to undergo experimental medical treatments even if there was no hope for her, emphasizing her desire to potentially benefit others in the future. CBC News reached out to Dolly Parton’s publicist for confirmation on her involvement in experimental treatments towards the end of her life but has not received a response.
While details on the experimental treatments remain unconfirmed, Dolly’s notable contribution to medical progress was her $1 million donation to Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center in November 2020 for COVID-19 research, which supported the development of the Moderna mRNA coronavirus vaccine.
Dolly Parton demonstrated her commitment to public health by receiving her first vaccine dose on camera, playfully adapting the lyrics of her hit song “Jolene” to encourage others to get vaccinated. The administering doctor, Dr. Naji Abumrad, shared a bond with Dolly dating back to their first meeting at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2013 after she was in a minor car accident.
Dr. Abumrad was by Dolly’s side in her final moments, as recounted by his son Jad Abumrad, in an opinion piece for the New York Times. Stella Parton praised her sister’s true character, describing her as extraordinarily generous, thoughtful, and kind, leaving a positive impact on the world. Stella encourages others to emulate Dolly’s example of compassion and generosity.
