Country music icon Dolly Parton has stepped up to help the victims of Hurricane Helene by donating $1 million. Parton, who hails from Pitman Center, Tennessee, one of the states affected by the devastating hurricane, made the announcement during a press conference at a Walmart in Newport, Tennessee.
“It breaks my heart to see the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene,” Parton expressed. “I wish we could all be together for a different reason, but the important thing now is to support those in need.”
Parton’s donation will be matched by her East Tennessee businesses, including Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, and the Dollywood Foundation. With these contributions, the total donation towards hurricane relief efforts will amount to $10 million.
Parton’s deep connection to her home state and the affected areas is evident in her passionate words. “As I look around at the destruction, I see my mountains, my valleys, my rivers flowing like a stream,” she said. “These are my people, and this is my home.”
The funds will be channeled through the Mountain Ways Foundation, an organization committed to providing ongoing disaster relief and efficiently distributing essential resources to the areas most affected by the hurricane.
During the press conference, John Furner, the President, and CEO of Walmart U.S., acknowledged Parton’s generosity and praised her kind-heartedness. “[Dolly] is not just an American legend because of her music and art, but also because of her big heart,” Furner stated. “We are grateful for her tremendous donation and her unwavering support for these communities.”
Hurricane Helene caused widespread devastation in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia, with the death toll surpassing 200. In the face of this tragedy, it is heartwarming to see Dolly Parton and her businesses stepping up to make a difference and provide much-needed aid to those affected.
If you would like to contribute to the relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts for Hurricane Helene, you can visit this link to learn more about how you can help.
