Dolly Parton has dedicated USD 1 million to aid the victims of Hurricane Helene, which affected her home state of Tennessee and 5 other states. Parton, a Tennessee native, announced the donation during a visit to Walmart in Newport on October 3. The country music veteran revealed that her businesses based in East Tennessee are helping raise funds for those affected in the area.
According to People, the Jolene singer said at a press conference, “I really wish we were all together for some other reason, but we’ve all seen the devastation.” Parton couldn’t hide her sadness during the announcement; She highlighted her personal experience living in Tennessee, the area she calls home. He thought how difficult it was to see the destruction of that place so close to his place.
Walmart, which had originally pledged US$6 million to aid hurricane victims, increased the amount to US$10 million. Parton will donate her $1 million donation to the Mountain Ways Foundation, a disaster relief nonprofit based in the region. The foundation aims to provide relief to areas after disasters by deploying needed resources in a strategic manner.
Businesses in East Tennessee, Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Dolly Parton Stampede, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show and the Dollywood Foundation will match their donations.
John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart US, also praised Parton’s contribution as having a significant impact given the singer’s iconic status. Furner said, “Dolly’s heart is for these communities and people across our great country, and that’s why she decided to donate and give back the way she did today, and we’re so excited for you to do the same.” Very grateful for.”
More than 200 people died as a result of Hurricane Helene, which struck Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia. Therefore, reconstruction efforts have now assumed greater importance than ever before.
Dolly Parton expressed her deep sadness at seeing such a devastating disaster in the area she calls home. He also conveyed his determination to help local communities recover.
Also read: ‘What a loss’: Dolly Parton pays tribute to country music legend Kris Kristofferson after he dies at 88
