In response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee, iconic singer-songwriter and philanthropist Dolly Parton has pledged a $1 million donation to the Mountain Ways Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at aiding those affected by the natural disaster. Parton's significant contribution was matched by her various businesses, including Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, and Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show as well as the Dollywood Foundation, doubling the total monetary commitment to $2 million, as reported by WATE.
During an event held at a Walmart in Newport, Tennessee, Parton expressed her deep connection to the affected region, stating, "Who would’ve known that in this little part of the country where I was born and raised would have this kind of devastation, I am totally with you because I am part of you," WVLT-TV quoted the country legend. Eugene Naughton, the President of the Dollywood Company, alongside Parton, spoke of Sevier County's resilience in the face of tragedy, referencing the 2016 fires that similarly brought the community together in a mutual support effort.
The generosity of Dolly Parton's efforts, in a collaboration with commerce giant Walmart, extends beyond monetary donations. Dollywood teamed up with Coca-Cola to provide a semi-truck of water to those in need in Cocke County, and facilitated the donation of essential supplies such as masks and disposable protective gear to assist in clean-up operations. This comprehensive support program includes Dollywood becoming a drop-off point for further donations, with lists of needed items such as tarps, cleaning supplies, and non-perishable food aiding in the region's recovery efforts, as outlined in an interview Parton gave at the event.
John Furner, Walmart U.S. President and CEO, remarked on the long-term commitment of the retailer to the affected communities, declaring, "We’ll be here. Not until the media leaves, but until we recover, and that’s what’s going to happen here, we’re going to recover," indicating a $10 million donation to hurricane relief efforts, this was reported by WATE. Parton also provided a heartfelt message to those grappling with the aftermath of the hurricane, offering words of comfort and solidarity as the community embarks on the path to recovery.
Parton's history of philanthropy in the region is extensive and well-documented. In the wake of the 2016 Sevier County wildfires, her Dollywood Foundation's My People Fund provided $1,000 to families whose homes were destroyed or deemed uninhabitable, ultimately distributing over $9 million raised in aid during a telethon event.
