Dolly Parton Steps Up for Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

Dolly Parton is taking significant action to support communities devastated by Hurricane Helene, which has left a trail of destruction in its wake. The country music icon is partnering with her various businesses—Dollywood Parks & Resorts, The Dollywood Foundation, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, and Pirates Voyage—along with Walmart to provide crucial aid to flood-affected areas in the Appalachian region.

The announcement was made at a Walmart in Newport, Tennessee, where community members impacted by the unprecedented flooding are receiving meals, showers, and laundry services. Parton, who attended the event, expressed her deep concern for those affected, noting the scale of destruction and loss caused by the hurricane, which claimed over 200 lives and left countless individuals homeless.

“We’re all here to mend these broken hearts,” she said, adding that it was unfortunate they had to gather for such a tragic occasion. Parton reflected on the personal connection she feels to the area, saying, “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? When I look around, I think, ‘These are my mountains, these are my valleys, these are my rivers… these are my people, and this is my home.’”

Parton further emphasized the personal nature of this disaster. “I have a lot of my own relatives that live here, and when we heard about this, it was devastating—not just because it was my family, but because all these people feel like my people. We all feel related, and we are in some sort of way. So it just devastated me to know that we had to suffer like that.”

In response to the crisis, Parton announced a personal donation of $1 million to the Mountain Ways Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to providing immediate assistance to victims of the hurricane. Her businesses, along with The Dollywood Foundation, are also pledging to match her donation with an additional $1 million contribution to the same foundation.

At the event, Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner revealed that the company, including Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation, would contribute a total of $10 million to hurricane relief efforts across the affected states.

Hurricane Helene, classified as a monstrous Category 4 storm, has caused unprecedented destruction over a more than 500-mile path through the Southeast. It is now recognized as the second-deadliest hurricane to hit the U.S. mainland in the last 50 years, following Hurricane Katrina nearly two decades ago.

The storm unleashed an extraordinary amount of rainfall across the southern Appalachians, resulting in what the National Weather Service described as a once-in-a-thousand-year rainfall event. Over just three days, the deluge caused rivers and creeks to overflow, leading to devastating mudslides that demolished homes and infrastructure. Water levels surged to unprecedented heights, sweeping away bridges, roads, and entire residences, leaving communities in shambles.

Parton’s commitment to aiding her community comes as a beacon of hope amid the devastation. Her contributions not only provide immediate relief but also foster a sense of solidarity among those affected by the storm. The efforts of local businesses, government agencies, and individual donors will be vital in the recovery process.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the resilience of the Appalachian communities is being tested. Yet, with leaders like Dolly Parton stepping forward to support recovery efforts, there is a collective effort to rebuild and heal. The outpouring of support from individuals and organizations alike highlights the importance of community in times of crisis.

As the recovery process begins, the focus will be on restoring homes, providing necessary resources, and supporting those who have lost so much. The partnership between Parton, Walmart, and local organizations is a crucial step in ensuring that affected families receive the assistance they need to start anew.

Dolly Parton’s efforts exemplify the spirit of compassion and unity that can arise in the face of adversity, reminding us all that in times of need, we can come together to make a difference.