Dolly Parton Donates $1 Million for Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
Dolly Parton has announced a $1 million donation from her personal funds for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. This contribution aims to aid the communities affected by the disaster, alongside a match from her commercial ventures. The hurricane has caused extensive damage and significant loss of life across multiple states, with Parton expressing her heartfelt connection to the victims and her commitment to supporting them during this difficult time.
Music legend Dolly Parton has recently committed to donating $1 million towards recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. During a press event in Tennessee, the esteemed 78-year-old artist expressed that the funds would be sourced directly from her personal finances. Furthermore, Parton’s business ventures, including the Dollywood theme park, are slated to match this contribution with an equivalent donation to the Mountain Ways Foundation, which is aiding victims of the floods in the affected region. In her emotionally charged address, Parton performed a rendition of “Helene, Helene,” borrowing the melody from her classic hit “Jolene”. The recent hurricane has been tragically impactful, claiming the lives of at least 225 individuals across multiple states, marking it as the deadliest storm to hit the mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It made landfall as a category four hurricane and has led to extensive property damage and power outages, leaving over half a million homes still without electricity as of Saturday. The cleanup process is projected to span several years, with significant casualties reported particularly in North Carolina, along with fatalities in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. At the event, Parton, whose own family members reside in the affected areas, voiced her heartbreak and solidarity with those enduring the storm’s aftermath. She emphasized, “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.” As of the latest reports, eleven lives have been lost in Tennessee due to the storm, with ongoing rescue efforts for those still unaccounted for. The heartfelt message from Parton to the victims was one of compassion and hope. In conjunction with Parton’s announcement, Walmart has also increased its funding for recovery initiatives to $10 million, with CEO John Furner praising Parton’s philanthropic spirit. Dolly Parton has a history of significant charitable contributions in response to crises, including a $1,000 monthly assistance pledge for families affected by Tennessee wildfires in 2016 and $1 million toward COVID-19 vaccine development in 2020.
Hurricane Helene struck the southeastern United States in late September, bringing catastrophic winds and flooding that resulted in at least 225 fatalities, making it one of the deadliest hurricanes on record since Katrina. The aftermath has left significant physical damage and long-lasting power outages across several states including North Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee. As communities begin the arduous task of recovery, numerous organizations and individuals, including celebrities, are stepping up to assist those impacted by the natural disaster. Dolly Parton, a beloved figure known for her philanthropy, is using her platform to support recovery efforts, reflecting her commitment to her roots and community welfare.
In a time of considerable need following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, Dolly Parton has pledged a substantial personal donation of $1 million to aid recovery efforts. Her commitment, alongside contributions from her businesses and other organizations like Walmart, highlights a collective effort to support the affected communities. Parton’s compassionate messages resonate with many, as she emphasizes the importance of community and giving back. With ongoing recovery efforts underway, her contributions will undoubtedly foster hope and assistance in the hard-hit regions.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
