Less than a year ago, Dolly Parton made a donation $ 1 million to help her friend, Dr. Naji Abumrad, develop the Modern Covid-19 vaccine at Vanderbuilt University. On Tuesday, country music legend told the world he “got a shot of his own medicine,” while Abumrad gave Parton his first dose of vaccine.
Parton tweeted a video where she was vaccinated on Tuesday, saying she and Abumrad have been “friends forever.”
“I thought it was only appropriate for you to give me my shot today,” he said.
Tennessee began allowing vaccination for those 70 or older in early February. Parton is 75 years old.
While getting the vaccine itself was the main purpose of the event, Parton did not shy away from using the moment to sing a version of his hit song “Jolene” based on the vaccine in an effort. to encourage others to get vaccinated.
“Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, I ask you for a request, don’t hesitate,” he sang. “The vaccine, the vaccine, the vaccine, the vaccine, because once you’re dead, it’s a little too late.”
Vanderbilt University Medical Center tweeted that “Dolly’s generous support helped fund early Vanderbilt Health research into what is now a vaccine that helps end the pandemic.”
Parton also used his platform on Tuesday to punch those who might plan to avoid getting vaccinated.
“I’m old enough to get it and I’m smart enough to get it … The sooner we feel better, the sooner we’ll be normal again,” Parton said. “So I just want to tell all of you cowards, don’t be such a busy chicken, go ahead and shoot yourself.”
Modern was the second COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use in the United States and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is more than 94% effective in preventing COVID-19 in people receiving two doses.