Dolly Parton has announced a personal donation of $1 million towards recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact. She has expressed her sorrow for the affected communities, declaring her commitment to assist in any way possible. The storm has caused significant loss of life and property damage, leading to extensive recovery needs across multiple states.
Renowned country music artist Dolly Parton has pledged a personal donation of $1 million towards the recovery efforts following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene. Addressing an audience in her native Tennessee, the 78-year-old singer indicated that this substantial contribution would be funded directly from her own resources. In addition, her business ventures, including the Dollywood amusement park, will also contribute an equal amount to the Mountain Ways Foundation, which is actively assisting those impacted by severe flooding in the region. During her announcement, Parton expressed her heartfelt concern and love for the affected communities through a poignant rendition of a modified version of her 1973 hit “Jolene,” adapting it to “Helene, Helene.” The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has been devastating; it has claimed at least 225 lives, marking it as the deadliest hurricane on the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The hurricane, which made landfall as a category four storm, caused widespread structural damage, extensive flooding, and power outages, leaving millions of households in darkness. As of the latest reports, over half a million properties remain without electricity, and the federal government has acknowledged that the recovery process may require several years to complete. Parton, reflecting on her personal connection to the affected areas where many of her family and friends reside, expressed profound grief over the situation, stating, “This is my home. God has been good to me and so has the public, and I feel that if there is anything I can do to give back in any way I can I am always willing to do that. I want to feel like I am doing my part.” Tragically, eleven confirmed fatalities have been reported in Tennessee, alongside numerous individuals still unaccounted for as efforts to locate them continue amidst the chaos, particularly after incidents of flooding swept away workers in Erwin, Tennessee. In response to inquiries about her message to the victims, Parton articulated the challenge of offering comfort during such turbulent times: “I know it is 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 are going to do our part to try and make that possible.” At the event, Walmart also announced an increase in its funding for recovery efforts to $10 million, with CEO John Furner praising Dolly Parton as “a true American legend – and not just for the music, the art, the business, but because of her heart.” Parton has a history of philanthropy, having previously provided consistent support to families affected by natural disasters, including wildfires in Tennessee in 2016 and funding vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hurricane Helene struck the southeastern United States in late September, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. This storm is notable for its severity, having left behind significant destruction, especially in North Carolina and other neighboring states. The combined effects of high winds, severe flooding, and infrastructure damage marked it as one of the most impactful storms in recent history, with a long recovery anticipated. The philanthropic response from public figures, such as Dolly Parton, reflects both a commitment to aid those in distress and an acknowledgment of their personal ties to affected communities.
Dolly Parton’s generous donation of $1 million to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts exemplifies her commitment to her community and her deep concern for those affected by the storm. Her heartfelt remarks and past philanthropic actions illustrate a genuine desire to support individuals during times of great hardship. The ongoing relief efforts, bolstered by contributions from various organizations including Walmart, highlight a collective response to assist those facing the aftermath of this devastating hurricane.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
