Singing legend Barbra Streisand has donated $5 million to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The money from the multiple Grammy-winning artist will be used for a women's heart education and research program.

According to the hospital, the gift will create permanent funding for the Barbra Streisand Women's Cardiovascular Research and Education at Cedars-Sinai. The hospital also said it will expand research efforts there.

In a statement released by Streisand, 65, she said, "Women need to be educated about female cardiovascular disease and the medical community must be propelled toward change."

She added, "Just like with breast cancer the impetus must come from women themselves striving to become empowered to reduce their risks for heart disease."

Streisand, a native of Brooklyn, New York, has won Grammys, two Academy Awards and several Emmys.