Dolly Parton has revealed her plans to donate a significant sum to support those affected by Hurricane Helene.
The iconic country singer announced the seven-figure donation at a Walmart event in Newport, Tennessee.
“These are special people here; they’re my people,” she said. “I feel like all people are my people, but everyone here grew up in the mountains just like I did, so of course I have a close connection to them. I can’t stand to see anyone hurting, so I wanted to do what I could to help after these terrible floods.”
Dolly Parton continued, “And so I really think that this is a time for me to step up again for all of us to step up and do what we can. Today, I wanted to announce that from myself personally, just from my own bank account, I’m donating a million dollars today, but there’s a lot to be done, and we’re trying to find other ways to even raise more funds.”
The generous $1 million contribution will go to the Mountain Ways Foundation, an organization dedicated to assisting those impacted by the devastating floods caused by Hurricane Helene.
Having grown up in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, Dolly Parton has a deep connection to the region and often sings about her childhood home in her music.
Known for hits like Smoky Mountain Memories and My Tennessee Mountain Home, the 78-year-old hopes her donation will inspire others to join in and provide aid to those in need during the relief efforts.
“I hope we can all be a little bit of light in the world for our friends, our neighbours – even strangers – during this dark time they are experiencing,” Dolly Parton said.
At least 225 people have been confirmed dead after the hurricane swept through the South East of the United States, with the death toll expected to rise.
