Dolly Parton has donated $1 million to the pediatric infectious disease research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. A press release confirmed the generous donation. Mark Denison, MD, professor of Pediatrics and director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, added: “We are deeply honored by Dolly’s contribution to our research mission. 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.”

According to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center website, “ongoing research in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases includes understanding how viruses and bacteria cause disease, understanding and preventing resistance to antibiotics, preventing and treating infections, diagnosing and treating infections in children with cancer and research to define the impact of childhood infections throughout the world.”

Parton said in a statement: “I love all children. 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.” This isn’t the first time Parton has donated to VUMC. In April of 2020, Parton donated $1 million to help support research surrounding COVID-19 treatments and cures, in honor of the singer’s longtime friend, Naji Abumrad, MD, Professor of Surgery. Parton previously contributed to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt Pediatric Cancer Program in honor of Abumrad and her niece, Hannah Dennision, who was successfully treated as a child for leukemia at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital.

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