I have written before about this hero primarily for her book gifting program for young kids, which is now an international program called “Imagination Library” (see second link below). Her name is Dolly Parton. I heard she could write songs and sing, as well. Yet, Parton just received some new acclaim for helping fight COVID-19.
In an article in The Hill by Judy Kurtz (see first link below) called “Dolly Parton among donors behind Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine,” her efforts are revealed. Here are a few paragraphs from the article.
“Dolly Parton can add another achievement to her résumé: helping to fund research for Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine.
The ‘9 to 5’ singer was one of several donors listed Monday as part of the announcement that Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine candidate was 94.5 percent effective in an interim analysis. The ‘Dolly Parton COVID-19 Research Fund’ was named as a supporter in the footnotes of a New England Journal of Medicine report.
Parton, 74, announced back in April that she was giving $1 million to researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center toward finding a vaccine to fight against COVID-19.
In an April Instagram post announcing her contribution, the Grammy Award winner said she was donating in honor of her longtime friend, Dr. Naji Abumrad, a researcher at Vanderbilt who informed her ‘that they were making some exciting advancements towards research of the coronavirus for a cure.'”
Parton will be remembered many years from now for her Imagination Library where 147 million books have been provided to young children. Currently, there are 1.7 million children signed up for the program. Yet, seeing her do things like the vaccine funding adds to her legacy.
Seeing her interviewed on multiple occasions, the depth of her kindness, integrity, and approachability is heart warming. Her ability to laugh at herself (both the stage personality and at home one) reveals a very smart woman that disarms people. She does not need to solicit attention for her good deeds, it just spreads.
Well done, Ms. Parton. You are a credit to the human race. Thank you for your music and big heart.
musingsofanoldfart 
Hello Keith. One of the things that she did as a roll model for many young people my self included, is she showed how you can be different and still like your self. She showed you do not need to fit a mold of what people think you should be to be happy. She was herself and never backed down on that. She was up front on doing what she wanted to make her self happy while never using it as a weapon against others. She is an amazing person, then and now. Hugs
Scottie, this is so true. Barbara Walters once said her favorite interview was with Dolly Parton. She was genuine and caught Walters’ off guard how savvy she was. She is indeed a role model. Keith
What a hero! Thanks for sharing. We need uplifting stories.
VJ, we surely do. It is my pleasure to share this one. Keith
Wow, she is amazing!
Erika, agreed. I recognize your singing styles are different, but have you ever had an occasion to sing one of her songs? Keith
No, I haven’t but I like her songs and style a lot. I love country songs basically. So, I would actually love to sing one of her songs! I mean, I did, just for myself… hehe.
Erika, Whitney Houston covered one of hers and made it platinum – “I have always loved you.” My favorite one is about a married woman pleading with the town vamp not to steal her man – “Jolene.” Keith
I have long admired Dolly Parton and this latest just puts the icing on the cake! Thanks for sharing this, Keith!
Jill, sure thing. There is a lot to be said for that genuine person beneath the wig and rhinestone. Keith
Reblogged this on Filosofa's Word and commented:
I promised you a ‘good people’ post, but I found myself struggling to put my dark mood aside long enough to produce one this week. Instead, I am sharing an uplifting post about a woman who is truly a credit to the human race, and whose generosity knows no bounds. Thank you, Keith, for this post, and for helping me find a ‘good people’.
Thanks Jill. People need an uplifting message these days. Keith
Absolutely so! For the first time, this week I could not do a ‘good people’ post … just couldn’t come out of the dark place in my mind long enough to look for the light. And then … lo and behold … you rescued me! We all need to see those ‘good people’ like Dolly who are so much more than all the news hogs combined.
Jill, with as much great stuff you publish, the occasional writer’s block is just an obstacle. You will laugh, but I keep a note pad in a draw by the couch, so if an idea hits me, I can write it down. Or, I may start an email and save it, transferring it later. Keith
Note to Readers: One of the things about the Imagination Library that further intrigued me is a book is sent each month to the child. The toddlers get so excited to open a package addressed to them.
I’m not even a huge fan of her music but I have long admired her as a person and role model. I didn’t know about the Imagination Library… yet another reason to be a big fan.
Janis, I like some of her songs and admire her prolific songwriting. But, her big heart is legendary. Keith