Country singer star Dolly Parton has been given a Covid-19 vaccine dose, after which she urged others to follow her example by remaking one of her hit songs Jolene.
On Tuesday, Parton, 75, sang an adapted version of Jolene before receiving the covid vaccine shot at the Vanderbilt University’s Medical Center in Nashville of Tennessee.
“Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, I’m begging of you, please don’t hesitate,” Parton sang in a video.
Moreover, the medical team injected her with a vaccine developed by Moderna.
Parton was credited with helping fund the Moderna vaccine after donating $1m (£716,000) to Vanderbilt University Medical Centre.
A portion of the singer’s money went towards funding an early stage-trial of the Moderna vaccine. In trials, the Moderna vaccine was found to offer nearly 95% protection against severe Covid-19.
The Grammy-winning musician said she had been “waiting a while” for her vaccination.
“I’m old enough to get it, and I’m smart enough to get it”. The singer told fans in a video posted from the university.
Last month Parton told the Associated Press she wanted to wait until vaccines were more widely available because “I don’t want it to look like I’m jumping the line.”
Now vaccine supply has increased – in the US at least – Parton said she “wanted to encourage everybody” to get theirs.
“I want to say to all of you cowards out there – don’t be such a chicken squat. Get out there and get your shot,” she said.
Celebrities on the same list
In addition, other celebrities who have had a Covid-19 vaccine include:
– Sir David Attenborough
The naturalist and broadcaster, 94, received the Covid-19 jab in January, months after speaking of the “immense suffering” caused by the pandemic.
– Jane Fonda
The Academy Award-winning actress, 83, shared the news of her jab in an Instagram post in February, posting: “It doesn’t hurt.”
– Arnold Schwarzenegger
The former politician and action hero, 73, had his jab in January in Los Angeles. He nodded to one of his best-known movie lines when he said: “Come with me if you want to live.”
