Dolly Parton has pledged a million dollar donation to help victims of Hurricane Helena after her home state of Tennessee was one of six states affected.
On Friday, Oct. 3, the country music star and Pitman Center, Tenn. native, 78, traveled to a Walmart in Newport, Tenn., to announce that she and her East Tennessee businesses have partnered with the retailer to help affected.
In addition to Walmart increasing its $6 million commitment to a $10 million donation for hurricane relief, Parton will now donate $1 million to the Mountain Ways Foundation.
According to its website, the foundation is “committed to providing ongoing disaster relief, coordinating efforts with local organizations and officials to ensure that essential resources effectively reach the most vulnerable areas.”
Dolly Parton. Dave J Hogan/Getty Hurricane Helene death toll climbs to at least 200. Here’s how to help relief efforts
The music legend has donated $1 million to her causes in East Tennessee, including Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show and the Dollywood Foundation.
“I really, really wish we were all together for another reason, but we’ve all seen the devastation,” Parton said at the press conference.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/hurricane-helene-damage-2-092724-e9c3113d05f04715a538b0ee831b881e.jpg)
Flooding at the Steinhatchee Rivergate after Hurricane Helena on September 27, 2024 near Steinhatchee, Florida.
Sean Rayford/Getty
“I mean, who knew that in our small part of the country, where I was born and grew up, we would have this kind of devastation? I look around and think: These are my mountains. These are my valleys,” the “Jolene” singer continued. “These are my rivers that flow like a stream. These are my people. These rainbow-colored mountains. These are my people and this is my home.”
Eric Church releases first solo song in 3 years ‘Darkest Hour’ to help home state North Carolina after Hurricane Helena
Walmart USA President and CEO John Furner praised Parton for the donation. “Dolly is a true American legend and not only because of her music, her art, her work, but also because of her heart,” he said at a press conference.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/hurricane-helene-092724-1-f83076e0fecd498e99b713df1e0cc82f.jpg)
Floodwaters flood Main Street after Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 27, 2024 in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
Joe Raedle/Getty
Never miss a story — subscribe to PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“Dolly’s heart is here for these communities and people across our great country, and that heart is why she chose to donate and give back as she did today, and we are so grateful for that,” Furner continued.
In addition to Tennessee, Hurricane Helene affected residents of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Virginia, and the death toll rose to over 200.
To learn more about how to help with the relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Helena, click here.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education