Country music legend Dolly Parton has pledged a remarkable $1 million to support disaster recovery efforts following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. The announcement came during an event in Tennessee, where the iconic singer emphasized that the donation would be sourced directly from her personal funds.
In addition to her personal contribution, Parton’s local ventures, including the popular Dollywood amusement park, will match her donation with an equal sum to the Mountain Ways Foundation, which is currently assisting those affected by severe flooding in the region.
Parton also captivated attendees by singing a heartfelt rendition of “Helene, Helene,” a playful twist on her classic 1973 hit “Jolene,” highlighting her deep connection to the community impacted by the storm.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has been tragic, with at least 225 confirmed fatalities attributed to the storm, making it the deadliest mainland hurricane since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Initial assessments indicate that Helene, which made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, inflicted extensive damage across the southeastern United States, resulting in widespread outages that have left over half a million homes without power.
The U.S. government anticipates that recovery efforts could take several years. While North Carolina has seen the highest number of casualties, fatalities have also been reported in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
“This is my home,” Parton stated during a recent press briefing held outside a local store in Newport, Tennessee. “God has been good to me, and I feel a responsibility to give back in any way I can. I want to do my part for my community.”
The disaster has also hit close to home for Parton, who shared that many of her relatives reside in the affected areas. She expressed her heartbreak over the destruction, stating, “All these people feel like my people.” As recovery efforts continue, reports indicate that at least 11 fatalities have been confirmed in Tennessee, with several individuals still unaccounted for.
Parton offered words of encouragement to the victims: “I know it’s easy to say ‘things will get better’ when things are so dire. All we can say is that we love you, and we hope for quick recovery as we do our part to help.”
In a simultaneous announcement, a major supermarket chain revealed an increase in recovery funding efforts to $10 million, emphasizing their commitment to the affected communities. The company’s CEO praised Parton as “a true American legend,” recognizing her ongoing philanthropic efforts.
Dolly Parton has a long history of charitable contributions, including prior donations to families impacted by Tennessee wildfires and significant support for the development of a COVID-19 vaccine.
