Dolly Parton, the beloved country music legend, is once again showing her generosity by donating $1 million to the relief efforts for Hurricane Helene, which has ravaged six states in the U.S., including her home state of Tennessee. This natural disaster has caused widespread devastation, and Parton’s heartfelt contribution is making a significant impact.
During a press conference alongside Walmart U.S. president John Furner, Parton expressed her deep connection to the people affected. “These are special people here; they’re my people,” she said, with a tone of emotion. She continued, “I feel like all people are my people, but everyone here grew up in the mountains just like I did, so of course I have a close connection to them.” Her words reflected not only her sense of community but also her compassion for those who share a similar upbringing. told by CBS News.
The storm, which has claimed over 200 lives, is being described as the deadliest hurricane in the U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Addressing the devastation caused by the hurricane, the Grammy-winning singer shared her motivation to help. “I can’t stand to see anyone hurting, so I wanted to do what I could to help after these terrible floods,” Parton said, visibly moved by the tragedy. Her contribution aims to ease the suffering of the thousands of people who have lost homes, loved ones, and livelihoods due to the storm’s catastrophic impact.
Parton’s generous donation is not just a personal gesture but also a call to action for others. She is encouraging everyone to contribute what they can to help those in need. “I hope we can all be a little bit of light in the world for our friends, our neighbors — even strangers — during this dark time they are experiencing,” she said, inspiring hope amid the bleak situation. report from Yahoo.
Following Parton’s example, Walmart increased its commitment to the relief efforts, raising its donation from $6 million to $10 million. Additionally, businesses associated with Dolly have pledged to match her $1 million donation, amplifying the overall aid directed toward the recovery efforts.
Dolly Parton’s contribution not only offers immediate relief to victims of Hurricane Helene but also sets an inspiring precedent for others to follow. Her actions remind us of the power of community and compassion in times of disaster. As relief efforts continue, Parton remains a beacon of hope for those struggling to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the storm.