Dolly Parton has donated $1 million to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville with the aim to support pediatric infectious disease research, the organization announced on Wednesday.

“I love all children. No child should ever have to suffer,” Parton said in a press release. “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 marks the second time Parton donated to Vanderbilt after she previously gave $1 million in April 2020 for COVID vaccine research. Now, the university will continue its research into infectious diseases with a deeper focus on children thanks to the second donation.

“Dolly’s previous support to infectious disease research, and also our pediatric cancer program, has already saved countless lives,” Dr. Jeff Balser, president and CEO of Vanderbilt University Medical Center and dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, said. “This new gift will bolster our defenses against future threats to the safety of this region and society as a whole.”

Dr. Mark Denison, professor of Pediatrics and director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases also commended Parton’s donation.

“We are deeply honored by Dolly’s contribution to our research mission,” he said. “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.”

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