At a Walmart in Newport, Tennessee, country music legend Dolly Parton announced that she has donated one million dollars toward relief from Hurricane Helene.
Also, her Tennessee based companies, including Dollywood, are matching the donation with another million.
People magazine reports that the donation is in partnership with Walmart, which is donating an additional ten million dollars to relief efforts.
Hurricane Helene’s Landfall and Destruction
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida and caused wind and flood damage in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
The hurricane left destruction that has never been seen in areas so far inland.
Helene has destroyed infrastructure, including bridges and roads. This has left people stranded with no way to access hospitals, grocery stores, and other important locations.
So far, the storm has claimed the lives of over 220 people. That number continues to rise as clean up continues.
Dolly’s Connection and Donation to the Area
In a press conference, Dolly asked, “I mean, who knew in our little part of the country here, where I was born and raised just down the road, that we would have this kind of devastation?”
Parton was born and raised in East Tennessee, which was hit hard by the hurricane along with five other states that experienced damage from winds and flooding.
Parton also strongly identifies as Appalachian, and much of southern Appalachia has seen unprecedented damage, destruction, and death. In her own words, “These are my people and this is my home.”
Where are the Donations Going?
The donations have been given to the Mountain Ways Foundation. The nonprofit is assisting in “relief and recovery efforts in East Tennessee, Western North Carolina, and the greater Appalachian region.”
Much of the area, especially more secluded areas, is still without electricity and clean water. Non-profits, like the Mountain Ways Foundation, continue to try to provide clean water and ongoing relief where they can.
Other Donations
Many celebrities, organizations, and companies have banded together and worked hard to help relief and recovery efforts.
According to Yahoo, some of the people and organizations who have have donated toward relief efforts include; Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper, and even the Augusta National Golf Club
