Country music icon Dolly Parton has pledged $1 million from her personal bank account to support those affected by Hurricane Helene, with an additional $1 million to be donated through her Dollywood companies.
At a press conference held in the parking lot of a Walmart in Newport, Tennessee, Parton announced her donation, emphasizing the need for collective action to help those impacted by the disaster. “We’ve been through tough times before, like the fires, and we came together to help each other out,” she said. “I think this is another one of those times when we need to step up and do what we can.”
Parton’s Dollywood companies, including the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, and the Dollywood Foundation, will also contribute to the relief efforts. “We’re trying to find other ways to raise more funds, but we’re starting out with a good amount,” she said.
The press conference included a special performance by Parton, who sang a remix of her hit song “Jolene.” She also acknowledged the widespread devastation caused by the hurricane, which has affected areas such as eastern Tennessee, western North Carolina, southwestern Virginia, Georgia, and Florida.
“I look around and I see my home, my people, my mountains, and my valleys,” Parton said, her voice filled with emotion. “It’s hard to believe that this kind of devastation has hit our region.”
The aftermath of the hurricane has been devastating, with over 200 reported deaths and thousands still missing. In Asheville, North Carolina, which experienced severe flooding, the police department is working to solve 75 missing persons cases.
