Dolly Parton’s extensive record of charitable acts has been well-documented, and a heartfelt tribute from her sister sheds light on the profound generosity deeply ingrained in her character.
Stella Parton took to Instagram on Thursday to share how she and Dolly would routinely start their Tuesdays by enjoying coffee together over the phone in the early hours.
In one of their final conversations, Dolly expressed to Stella her willingness to undergo experimental treatments even if there seemed to be no hope for her own recovery, solely with the hope of potentially benefiting others in the future.
While CBC News reached out to Dolly Parton’s publicist for confirmation regarding any experimental treatment the star may have undergone towards the end of her life, they have not received a response.
Nevertheless, Dolly’s significant contribution to a recent medical breakthrough is widely recognized. In November 2020, it was disclosed that she made a generous $1 million donation to Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center for COVID-19 research, a portion of which supported the development of the Moderna mRNA coronavirus vaccine.
When the time came for Dolly to receive her initial vaccine dose, she chose to do so publicly on camera, serenading the moment with a rendition of her hit song “Jolene,” with modified lyrics urging others not to hesitate in getting vaccinated.
The physician administering her vaccine in the video was Dr. Naji Abumrad, whom Dolly first met at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in October 2013 following a minor car accident. Their meeting sparked a lasting friendship that endured until Dolly’s final moments, as recounted by Jad Abumrad, Dr. Abumrad’s son and the creator of the podcast “Dolly Parton’s America,” in a recent New York Times opinion piece.
In her tribute, Stella Parton expressed her belief that the world truly recognized Dolly for her genuine nature. She described her sister as one of the most generous, thoughtful, and kind individuals she had ever known, emphasizing that Dolly’s presence had undeniably enriched the world and encouraged others to emulate her example.