Dolly Parton is a national treasure. We all know this. Her music is iconic, as is her image, as are all of her amazing quotes. She’s a self-assured woman who’s always there to give morale boosts. And this week, she’s in the news for the best-possible reason. Back in April, she quietly donated $1 million to coronavirus research at Vanderbilt University. The money helped fund Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, which recently became the second vaccine with an impressive success rate.
Curtis Hilburn/ Wikimedia Commons
That’s right. Years from now, we might be able to say that Dolly Parton helped beat the COVID-19 pandemic. We can’t wait to read that in the history books! And as several folks on Twitter pointed out, “vaccine” rhymes with Parton’s beloved hit song “Jolene.” So the covers kind of write themselves. But one person—who we learned about via BoingBoing—made it quite literal.
Wired’s Gretchen McCulloch tweeted out the song’s lyrics with “vaccine” in place of “Jolene.” (Along with some other clever sub-ins.) And Twitter user Ryan Cordell followed up with a guitar cover of the song using her words. The results? Well, they’re pretty heartwarming.
I couldn't resist trying it immediately, though I had to sing a bit more quietly than I typically would—for this tune in particular—because my family's all asleep right now. But you can see it scans, good enough for country at least! pic.twitter.com/joQL29e7Uk
— Ryan Cordell (@ryancordell) November 17, 2020
Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vacciiiiiiiiiiiiiine
I’m begging you, please go in my arm
Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vacciiiiiiiiiiiiiine
Please just keep me safe from covid harm
Yes, these lyrics will be in our head for the rest of quarantine. We’re not mad about it, and you shouldn’t be either. Of course, it does have us nostalgic for the original “Jolene,” which is a perfect song in case you were wondering. You can listen to the original version (which was released back in 1973) down below.
We’ll always be huge Dolly Parton fans. And we’re so grateful that she lent her cash to something so positive and potentially life-saving. That’s the Dolly we know and love. We’d expect nothing less.
Featured Image: Curtis Hilburn/ Wikimedia Commons