Dolly Parton announces $2M donation to help victims of Hurricane Helene

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Country music icon Dolly Parton has once again proven her dedication to helping others by pledging a $1 million donation from her "own personal bank account" to aid victims of Hurricane Helene, which left devastation across six states, including her home state of Tennessee, as reported by People.

On Friday, October 3, the 78-year-old legend made the heartfelt announcement at a Walmart in Newport, Tennessee, where she highlighted the importance of supporting the region she calls home.

Dolly Parton donates $2 million to Hurricane Helene relief efforts

Parton, a native of Pitman Center, Tennessee, partnered with Walmart, which has increased its commitment to hurricane relief from $6 million to $10 million. The singer’s donation will be directed to the Mountain Ways Foundation, an organization committed to ongoing disaster relief, ensuring resources reach the hardest-hit areas.

Alongside Walmart boosting its hurricane relief commitment from $6 million to $10 million, Parton has announced she will donate $1 million to the Mountain Ways Foundation.

As stated on its website, the foundation is "committed to providing ongoing disaster relief, coordinating efforts with local organizations and officials to ensure that essential resources reach the most affected areas efficiently."

The music icon’s $1 million donation will be matched by her East Tennessee enterprises, which include Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, and the Dollywood Foundation.

During a press conference, Dolly Parton expressed her deep sorrow over the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, stating, "I really, really wish that we were all together for another reason, but we all have seen the devastation."

Parton said, "I mean who knew in our little part of the country here, where I was born and raised just right down the road, that we would have this kind of devastation? And I look around, and I think: These are my mountains. These are my valleys. These are my rivers flowing like a stream. These are my people. These mountain colored rainbows. These are my people and this is my home."

Walmart and community praise for Dolly Parton's heart

Walmart US President and CEO John Furner praised Dolly Parton’s generous contribution, calling her “a true American legend” and commending her for stepping up when her community needed her most. 

"Dolly's heart is here for these communities and people all over our great country, and with her heart is the reason she decided to make the donation and give back the way she did today and we are very grateful for you doing," Furner said.

Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread destruction across Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia, has left over 200 people dead.

Parton’s donation will provide critical support to the Mountain Ways Foundation as it coordinates relief efforts and delivers essential resources to the communities most affected by the hurricane.

Dolly Parton's pledge for Hurricane Helene victims sends waves of appreciation online

One user wrote on Facebook, "Miss Dolly is the closest to an angel in human form that we have. God bless her," while another commented, "Of course she did. She is all about helping others."

Another fan remarked, "She's always there when there's a tragedy. Such a good lady."

"She is such a wonderful person. Always helping and lifting people up!!! Thank you," one user said. Another wrote, "That’s one thing about Dolly Parton is she’s gonna step up and make sure that her state and her town is ok."

One comment praised, "Dolly is one classy lady. I would hope all the rich stars will step up and do the same. God bless Dolly and praying for all the people who lost loved ones."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.