Dolly Parton Donates $1 Million for Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts

Dolly Parton has pledged $1 million from her personal finances to assist recovery efforts for victims of Hurricane Helene. This contribution, made in conjunction with donations from her commercial properties and Walmart, reflects a significant community response to the hurricane’s devastation, which has left many dead and millions without power in the southeastern United States.

Iconic musician and philanthropist Dolly Parton has announced a significant personal donation of $1 million to support recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The announcement was made at an event in Tennessee, where the 78-year-old singer confirmed that the funds would originate “from my own bank account.” In addition to her personal contribution, Parton’s commercial enterprises, particularly the Dollywood theme park, will also donate an equal sum to the Mountain Ways Foundation, which is assisting individuals affected by the flooding in the region. During her speech, Parton expressed her heartfelt emotions regarding the disaster, even performing a rendition of a song inspired by the hurricane to the melody of her classic hit, “Jolene.” Hurricane Helene, which struck the southeastern United States in late September, has resulted in at least 225 fatalities, marking it as the deadliest hurricane to hit the mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The hurricane made landfall as a category four storm, causing widespread structural damage, flash flooding, and power outages affecting millions of residences. As of the latest reports, over half a million properties continued to experience power disruptions. The federal government estimates that the recovery efforts could span several years, with significant loss of life recorded in North Carolina, as well as deaths in other states including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Parton, reflecting on her connection to the area, remarked, “This is my home. God has been good to me and so has the public, and I feel that if there’s anything I can do to give back in any way I can I’m always willing to do that. I want to feel like I’m doing my part.” She also shared her sadness about the situation, stating, “I was heartbroken like everybody else, and just amazed and devastated by it. All these people feel like my people.” In Tennessee, eleven fatalities have been confirmed due to the storm, and efforts are ongoing to locate additional individuals who remain unaccounted for. The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the storm’s devastation, and Parton extended her sympathy to the victims, stating, “I know it’s easy for us to say, ‘oh, things are going to get better’ when things are still really bad. All we can say is that we are with you, that we love you, we hope that things get better real soon – and we’re going to do our part to try and make that possible.” Simultaneously, Walmart announced a significant increase in its support for recovery efforts, committing $10 million in funding. The company’s CEO, John Furner, praised Parton, saying, “These aren’t just places where we have stores. These are communities where we work and live,” and recognized her as “a true American legend.” Parton has a history of philanthropy, having made substantial contributions in response to various crises, including wildfires in Tennessee and the Covid-19 vaccine development.

Hurricane Helene struck the southeastern United States in September, resulting in severe flooding and extensive damage, particularly in North Carolina. The storm has recorded an alarming number of casualties, making it one of the deadliest storms in over a decade. Dolly Parton, famed for her musical career and charitable contributions, has stepped forward to support recovery efforts, exemplifying the spirit of giving back to one’s community during times of hardship. The response from the public and other institutions highlights the collective efforts being made to assist those affected by the disaster.

Dolly Parton’s generous donation of $1 million, alongside contributions from her business ventures and the support of corporations like Walmart, underscores the significant community response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene. As recovery efforts begin, the importance of collective support and philanthropy in addressing the aftermath of such natural disasters becomes evident, and Parton’s statements reflect a message of compassion and hope for the affected individuals.

Original Source: www.bbc.com