Dolly Parton donation helped develop vaccine 0:54
(CNN) -
Dolly Parton: legendary actress.
Extraordinary composer.
Feminist idol.
And, starting this year, sponsor of the coronavirus vaccine.
The diva's $ 1 million donation to covid-19 research was used in part to fund Moderna's promising coronavirus vaccine, something she didn't even know until her name was featured among other backers in a preliminary report on. the vaccine.
In his media appearances on Tuesday, Parton was beaming with pride and excitement at the news.
"Praise the Lord!" He told "Today" hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager.
"I am very grateful that this is happening, and if I had something to do with it, it's great," she added.
Parton, who said she found out that her donation contributed to the vaccine trial Tuesday morning, told the BBC's "The One Show" that she felt "very honored and very proud" to be a small part of what it could be an essential treatment to face covid-19.
Dolly Parton helped finance a vaccine that, according to early data, is 94.5% effective
"I was so proud to have been a part of that little seed capital that hopefully it will grow into something great and help heal this world," she said.
"Today I am a very proud girl to know that I had something to do with something that will help us overcome this crazy pandemic," he added.
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Parton made his donation to Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Covid-19 research efforts in early April, when there were about 200,000 cases in the United States.
There are now more than 11.3 million cases and more than 250,000 Americans have died.
Moderna's vaccine is 94.5% effective against the coronavirus, according to the first data published by the company.
Vaccinations could begin in late December, said leading infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, although they will be available first to high-risk groups, such as healthcare workers, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. .
In April, Parton encouraged his fans to donate to the Vanderbilt Health covid-19 research fund.
Since then, they have raised more than $ 100,000 of their goal of $ 250,000.
covid-19 coronavirus vaccine