Who is Vicki Quarles? Taylor Swift and mom Andrea donate $50,000 to widow who lost husband to Covid-19
Taylor Swift and her mother Andrea Swift have come forward to extend support to a widow who lost her husband to Covid-19. The pop-star and her mother made a donation of $50,000 on Tuesday, March 23, on a GoFundMe campaign for Vicki Quarles. The mother-of-five from Tennessee lost her husband, Theodis Ray Quarles, before Christmas last year. According to the description on the fundraiser platform, Quarles’ husband suddenly died on December 18 after being rushed to the hospital due to breathing difficulties a day earlier.
The couple shares five daughters together -- Alyssa, Anaya, Asia, Allie and Aryah. A family friend, DeQuanda Smith, wrote on the site, “When the paramedics arrived to the Quarles' home to transport Theodis… Vicki wasn't allowed to accompany her husband due to quarantine restrictions. Little did she know that this would be her final engagement with her best friend. She later received a call from the hospital that Theodis had succumb (sic) to this awful virus.”
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Taylor and Andrea's donations surpass the goal!
The initial goal of the fundraiser was to collect $50,000 in donations to support Quarles and her family. However, the donation made by Taylor and her mother surpassed the goal, taking the total count to $61,965 when this article was published.
Thanking the pop star and her mom for their heartwarming gesture, Quarles wrote on behalf of her family, “I would like to especially say thank you to Andrea and Taylor Swift for your thoughtfulness and generosity from our home state of Tennessee. I appreciate the sweet personal note, it warmed my heart. The road ahead will definitely not be the same without Theodis but with each day I am humbled and anchored in hope that I can continue to raise the girls to be as compassionate and caring as all of you. Thank you so very much."
‘Folklore’ singer has made more donations towards Covid-19 victims
Last December, Taylor donated $13,000 to two Nashville mothers who were reportedly struggling to pay bills due to the pandemic. These donations were also made through GoFundMe. According to reports, along with the donation, the singer wrote, “I read about you in the Washington Post and thought it was really brave of you to share your story. I’m so sorry for everything you’ve had to go through this year and wanted to send you this gift, from one Nashville girl to another. Love, Taylor.”
Previously, she donated $27,000 towards the university education expenses of an aspiring mathematician who was unable to afford the fees. Vitoria Mario was pursuing her degree at Warwick University. Swift wrote a note for Victoria as well. It read, “Vitoria, I came across your story online and am so inspired by your drive and dedication to turning your dreams into reality. I want to gift you the rest of your goal amount. Good luck with everything you do! Love, Taylor.”