Vanderbilt University Medical Center announced on Wednesday that it received $1 million from country singer Dolly Parton.
Parton’s donation will go toward its pediatric infectious disease research. The Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases plans to utilize the funds for antibiotics, infection prevention, and cancer treatment for children.
“We are deeply honored by Dolly’s contribution to our research mission,” said Dr. Mark Denison, the professor of pediatrics and director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. “For over 40 years, our division has been a national and international leader in studies for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of life-threatening infections, and this gift will accelerate our work and support new ideas.”
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Parton also donated another $1 million in April 2020 in honor of her friend and professor of surgery, Dr. Naji Abumrad. VUMC mentioned another donation the country singer gave in tribute to her niece, Hannah Dennison, a leukemia survivor.
“Dolly’s previous support to infectious disease research, and also our pediatric cancer program, has already saved countless lives,” said Dr. Jeff Balser, the president and CEO of VUMC. “This new gift will bolster our defenses against future threats to the safety of this region and society as a whole. It speaks volumes about her passion for people, and we couldn’t be more thankful.”
The center has particularly focused on treating life-threatening COVID-19 symptoms in children.
“I love all children,” Parton said. “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.”
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Parton was nominated to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year but removed herself from consideration.
