Dolly Parton has announced a personal donation of $1 million to support recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, coinciding with an equal contribution from her ventures. The hurricane caused significant loss of life and widespread destruction across several states. Parton’s commitment reflects her deep ties to the community, and her actions have inspired further support from organizations such as Walmart, which pledged $10 million in recovery funding.
In a noteworthy gesture of philanthropy, music icon Dolly Parton has pledged to donate $1 million to assist in the recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. This announcement was made during an event held in Tennessee, where the 78-year-old country music legend stated that the donation would come directly “from my own bank account.” Additionally, her local enterprises, including the renowned Dollywood amusement park, are set to contribute an equal sum to the Mountain Ways Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting those impacted by the severe flooding resulting from the hurricane. During her address, Parton shared her emotional response to the disaster, singing a modified tribute titled “Helene, Helene” to the melody of her classic song “Jolene.” Hurricane Helene, which struck in late September and was categorized as a level four hurricane, has been reported as the deadliest storm to hit mainland America since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, claiming at least 225 lives across various states including North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The disaster wrought havoc in its path, causing widespread destruction, flash flooding, and leaving millions without power—over half a million properties are still struggling with outages as of the latest reports. Local authorities anticipate that the recovery and cleanup may span several years. Expressing her attachment to the affected communities, Parton stated, “This is my home… If there is 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 reflected on the devastation felt throughout her community and highlighted the personal connections she has with the area, reasoning that “all these people feel like my people.” In additionally significant support, Walmart has declared an increase in its recovery funding to $10 million. The company’s CEO, John Furner, commended Parton for her contributions and recognized her as “a true American legend” for her multifaceted impact beyond music, emphasizing her benevolence. Historically, Parton has sustained her philanthropic efforts, including a commitment of $1,000 monthly to families affected by wildfires in Tennessee and a $1 million contribution towards the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. These acts of generosity continue to exemplify her dedication to aiding those in crisis.
Hurricane Helene struck the southeastern United States in September, causing extensive damage and loss of life, marking a significant natural disaster. With its category four status, it resulted in flooding and power outages across multiple states. Public figures like Dolly Parton have taken initiative in recovery efforts, reflecting a broader trend where artists and local businesses rally to provide support during crises. The sentiment of community and civic responsibility is heightened in such events, drawing attention to the important role of philanthropy in disaster recovery.
Dolly Parton’s generous donation of $1 million towards the recovery from Hurricane Helene underlines her commitment to her community and her role as a compassionate public figure. The ongoing challenges posed by the hurricane highlight the need for unified support in rebuilding affected areas. The concerted efforts from individuals and organizations, such as Walmart’s pledged $10 million, signify a collective response aimed at aiding those in distress during this devastating time.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
