Country icon Dolly Parton will donate $1 million toward research into finding a cure for the Chinese coronavirus, the singer announced on Wednesday.
“My longtime friend Dr. Naji Abumrad, who’s been involved in research at Vanderbilt for many years, informed me that they were making some exciting advancements towards research of the coronavirus for a cure,” the country star said. “I am making a $1 million donation towards Vanderbilt towards that research and to encourage people that can afford it to make donations.”
Earlier this week, Parton also announced that she will launch a bedtime reading series aimed at relaxing children as the Chinese coronavirus continues to force school closures across America. The series, named Goodnight with Dolly, is a project run by her nonprofit organization, Imagination Library, which provides children with free books around the world.
“This is something I have been wanting to do for quite a while, but the timing never felt quite right,” Parton said on the project’s announcement. “I think it is pretty clear that now is the time to share a story and to share some love. It is an honor for me to share the incredible talent of these authors and illustrators.”
On Monday, the 74-year-old singer also shared an inspiring message with her followers about keeping faith in God, reminding them that God is looking out for them during these most challenging times.
“I’m not making light of the situation. Well, maybe I am, because it’s the light, I believe, that’s gonna dissolve the situation. I think God is in this, I really do,” the 12-time Grammy-winner said. “I think he’s trying to hold us up to the light so we can see ourselves and see each other through the eyes of love. And I hope we learn that lesson.”
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