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It’s always good news when more people get vaccinated, especially when it involves beloved celebrities. The latest celebrity to receive the vaccine is the cherished 75-year-old country singer and songwriter, Dolly Parton. She shared a video of herself getting the first shot of the Moderna vaccine on Tuesday, which she posted on Twitter.
Expressing her thoughts, Parton mentioned, “I’ve been waiting a while. I’m old enough to get it and I’m smart enough to get it.”
Interestingly, Parton has a connection to this vaccine through her personal friendship with Dr. Naji Abumrad from the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Their friendship dates back to 2013 when Dr. Abumrad treated Parton after a car accident. During a conversation about vaccine research last April, Parton made a generous donation of $1 million to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Part of this donation directly supported Moderna’s efforts to develop and distribute their vaccines.
Dolly gets a dose of her own medicine. @VUMChealth pic.twitter.com/38kJrDzLqC
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) March 2, 2021
In the past, Parton mentioned that she didn’t want to receive the vaccine until more people could access it, as she didn’t want her donation to result in any special treatment. She stated, “When I get it, I’ll probably do it on camera so people will know, and I’ll share the truth about any symptoms.” She added, “Hopefully, it’ll motivate people. I won’t jump the line just because I can.”
Following her vaccination, Parton emphasized her belief that global normalcy can be achieved faster if everyone gets vaccinated promptly. “So I just wanted to say to all you cowards out there, don’t be such a chicken squat,” she encouraged. “Get out there and get your shot.”
