Dolly Parton donates $1 million to coronavirus research

Hitmaker Dolly Parton has long been known as a national treasure. Then, Wednesday morning, she revealed that she’s donating $1 million to Vanderbilt University in her adopted hometown of Nashville.

She cited her “longtime friend” Dr. Naji Abumrad, who’s making what she called “exciting advancements towards research of the coronavirus for a cure.” Parton encouraged others to follow her lead, if they can afford it.

If that name sounds familiar to some, it’s probably because Abumrad happens to be the father of Jad Abumrad, who hosts the addictive, inspiring podcast all about Parton, Dolly Parton’s America.

Fans of the “9 to 5” singer applauded her contribution — some of them with extremely clever comments.

In addition to her cash contribution, Parton is bestowing another significant gift during the coronavirus quarantine, with her voice, through a free program called “Goodnight With Dolly,” in which she reads children’s books on Thursdays at 7 p.m. ET. It’s part of her Imagination Library project, which provides free books to young children, regardless of their family’s income.

The first book up is The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper. She’ll read nine other books, including her own I Am a Rainbow and Coat of Many Colors, over 10 weeks.

“Dolly hopes this series of stories will provide comfort and reassurance to coping kids and families during the shelter-in-place mandates,” the Imagination Library said in a statement.

You can always crank up a Dolly Parton album, too.

For the latest coronavirus news and updates, follow along at https://news.yahoo.com/coronavirus. According to experts, people over 60 and those who are immunocompromised continue to be the most at risk. If you have questions, please reference the CDC and WHO’s resource guides.

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• Q&A with Dr. Kavita Patel: How to keep your family safe and maintain your mental health

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