Dolly Parton has announced a personal donation of $1 million to aid recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene’s devastation. Her local amusement park will match this donation to support the Mountain Ways Foundation. The storm has resulted in over 225 fatalities and significant damage, particularly in the southeastern U.S. Parton expressed her emotional ties to the victims and encouraged solidarity, emphasizing the importance of community support in recovery efforts.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, music legend Dolly Parton has pledged a substantial personal donation of $1 million towards relief efforts for those affected by the disaster. During a recent press conference in her native Tennessee, the esteemed 78-year-old singer stated, “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.” Parton emphasized her emotional connection to the impacted community, many of whom are her relatives, stating, “I was heartbroken like everybody else, and just amazed and devastated by it. All these people feel like my people.” In addition to her personal contribution, the Dollywood amusement park will match this donation to the Mountain Ways Foundation, which is actively aiding those suffering from flooding consequences in the region. Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category Four hurricane, wreaking havoc across the southeastern United States, resulting in the deaths of at least 225 individuals, making it the deadliest storm to strike the continental U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The U.S. government has indicated that the clean-up from Helene may require several years. The storm caused extensive structural damage and disrupted the power supply, leaving over half a million households without electricity. The latest reports confirm eleven fatalities in Tennessee alone, with additional individuals still unaccounted for as search and recovery efforts continue. During her remarks, Parton expressed solidarity with the victims, noting the difficulty of reassuring those in distress, saying, “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.” In a concerted effort to aid the recovery, Walmart has announced an increase in its funding for recovery initiatives to $10 million. The company’s CEO, John Furner, acknowledged Dolly Parton’s contributions, describing her as “a true American legend – and not just for the music, the art, the business, but because of her heart.” Parton’s history of philanthropy includes previous donations in response to disasters, such as pledging $1,000 monthly to wildfire victims in 2016 and contributing $1 million towards COVID-19 vaccine development in 2020.
Hurricane Helene struck the southeastern United States in late September 2023, leading to catastrophic consequences, including significant loss of life, extensive property damage, and widespread power outages. As one of the deadliest storms in recent memory, its aftermath has prompted extensive recovery efforts. The response involves both government and private sector initiatives, highlighting a collective effort to support those whose lives have been drastically impacted by the storm. Dolly Parton, a notable figure and philanthropist with deep ties to Tennessee, has stepped forward to offer substantial financial assistance to recovery efforts, underscoring her commitment to her community.
Dolly Parton’s generous contribution of $1 million towards Hurricane Helene recovery efforts highlights her deep connection to her community and her dedication to assisting those in need during times of crisis. In a concerted effort against the backdrop of devastation, her actions exemplify the spirit of philanthropy and solidarity in the face of disaster. The ongoing recovery efforts, bolstered by donations from various organizations, illustrate the resilience of affected communities as they begin to heal and rebuild from the tragedy of Hurricane Helene.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
