Dolly Parton and Brad Paisley team up with Vanderbilt Health to promote COVID-19 vaccines
Last year, Parton made headlines for donating $1 million to VUMC to support coronavirus vaccine research and development. Her generous donation helped fund research which ended up supporting the Moderna vaccine now helping bring relief to the global pandemic.
The audience for the award show, both at the Ryman Auditorium and Opry House, was made up exclusively of vaccinated health care workers from Vanderbilt Health.
Fans in select markets also got to enjoy a first look at the new Vanderbilt Health vaccine confidence campaign “Be A Fan. Take The Shot” featuring Country Music superstar Brad Paisley, which premiered in select markets during Sunday night’s award show and will continue to roll out nationally over the course of the next few weeks. Paisley’s upcoming 2021 Tour will be announced soon.
“Dolly’s generous gifts are from the heart. Her support of COVID-19 research has already benefited more than 87 million people in the U.S. who have received the Moderna vaccine. Her gift also helped answer important questions about the safety and effectiveness of treatments for COVID patients,” said Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, President and CEO of Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Dean of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
“With vaccine supplies now growing, we still have a challenge with reluctance to get the shot. Brad Paisley graciously stepped forward to help us bring greater awareness about the benefits of getting the vaccine. We are incredibly grateful for the support from these two global superstars in our ongoing battle with COVID-19.”