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Dolly Partonhas once again shown the world her enormous heart.
AfterHurricane Heleneravaged parts of the southeastern United States last week, including devastating her beloved East Tennessee, Dolly has stepped up in a major way.
The iconic singer and philanthropist announced that she is donating a massive $2 million to help with relief efforts, bringing much-needed support to the region she’s always called home.
Keep reading for more details!
Dolly’s Generous Contribution: A Personal and Business Effort
During anemotionalpress conference on Friday, October 4, Dolly revealed that she would personally donate $1 million from her own bank account.
But the generosity didn’t end there—her businesses, including the Dollywood Foundation, are matching that amount, making the total donation $2 million.
All of the funds will be directed to theMountain Ways Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on supporting communities in the Appalachian region, including those now grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Parton, ever the down-to-earth and warm figure, shared her feelings about the devastation.
“I really wish we were all together for another reason, but we all have seen the devastation,” she told the crowd, her voice tinged with emotion.
“I mean, who knew in our little part of the country here, where I was born and raised just right down the road, that we would have this kind of devastation.”
Dolly has never been shy about her love for her Tennessee roots.
She often speaks about her upbringing in the Great Smoky Mountains, and it’s evident that this connection to her home still runs deep.
During the press conference, she spoke lovingly about the region, saying,“These are my mountains, these are my valleys, these are my rivers flowing like a stream. These are my people. This is my home.”
Her strong sense of loyalty to her hometown is something that has defined much of herphilanthropicwork over the years.
From funding literacyprogramsto providing scholarships, Dolly has always used her platform and resources to give back.
This time, it’s personal—Hurricane Helene has affected the very land she grew up on, and Dolly is determined to help.
A Lighthearted Twist: Dolly Turns “Jolene” into “Helene”
Even in times of tragedy, Dolly Parton knows how to lift people’s spirits.
Always the entertainer, she managed to bring some lightheartedness to the press conference by parodying one of her most famous songs,“Jolene.”
She swapped out “Jolene” for “Helene,” singing an impromptu version that had everyone smiling:
“Helene, Helene, Helene, Helene You came in here and broke us all apart Helene, Helene, Helene, Helene But we’re all here to mend these broken hearts.”
The playful riff was classic Dolly—balancing a tough moment with humor and a sense of hope.
It’s this approachability and warmth that have endeared her to fans for decades, and thismomentshowed how she could find a way to bring light even in the darkest times.
Mountain Ways Foundation: A Lifeline for the Community
TheMountain WaysFoundation, which will receive Dolly’s generous donation, plays a crucial role in helping Appalachian communities, particularly during natural disasters like Hurricane Helene.
The foundation has already been hard at work distributing essential resources to those affected by the flooding, including food, water, and basic supplies.
With the $2 million boost from Dolly and her businesses, the foundation will also be able to provide financialrelieffor families who have lost their homes, belongings, or businesses.
Dolly’s donation couldn’t come at a better time. The flooding caused by Hurricane Helene has left many families in East Tennessee struggling to rebuild their lives.
The money will go a long way in helping them recover and regain some sense of normalcy.
Dolly’s Long History of Giving Back
This isn’t the first time Dolly Parton has come to the aid of her community in times of need.
In fact, philanthropy has been a cornerstone of hercareer, and she’s always made it clear that giving back is just as important to her as her music.
One of her most well-known initiatives is the Dollywood Foundation’sImagination Library, which provides free books to children from birth until they start school, helping to foster a love of reading early on.
After wildfires devastated parts of the Great Smoky Mountains in 2016, Dolly quickly launched the“My People Fund,”which provided financial support to families who had lost their homes.
Through her leadership, the fund gave $1,000 per month for six months to hundreds of families, with many receiving additional bonuses as the fund grew.
Her ability to respond quickly and effectively to disasters has made her a hero in the eyes of many Tennesseans.
Source: Instagram/dollyparton
Always a Beacon of Hope
Dolly’s $2 million contribution to the relief efforts following Hurricane Helene is just the latest example of her unwaveringdedicationto her people and her home.
Whether it’s through music, philanthropy, or just her infectious personality, Dolly Parton has an unmatched ability to bring people together and remind them that there’s always hope, even in the hardest of times.
As she said during the press conference, “We’re all here to mend these broken hearts,” and with Dolly leading the charge, there’s no doubt that Tennessee will rise again, stronger than ever.
In the words of Dolly herself,“We can’t just let Helene come in here and tear us apart—so we’re gonna stick together, and we’re gonna rebuild.”And if Dolly says it, you know it’s true.
Dolly Parton’s Major Philanthropic Works
Year
Philanthropic Effort
Description
Impact
Mid-1980s
Dollywood Foundation
Founded to support various charitable efforts, particularly in the area of literacy.
Brought jobs, tax revenue, and support to underprivileged communities in Tennessee.
1995
Imagination Library
Created the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library, which provides free books to children from birth to age five
Distributed millions of books worldwide, promoting early childhood literacy.
2006
$500,000 Pledge to Sevierville Hospital
Donated toward a proposed hospital and cancer center named after Dr. Robert F. Thomas, who delivered her.
Raised additional funds through benefit concerts, advancing healthcare in her hometown.
2016
My People Fund (Wildfire Relief)
Launched after the Gatlinburg wildfires to provide financial aid to families who lost their homes.
Gave $1,000 per month for six months to hundreds of families, helping them rebuild.
2020
COVID-19 Vaccine Research Donation
Donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University to help fund COVID-19 vaccine research.
Played a role in the development of the Moderna vaccine.
Dolly Parton’s philanthropy spans decades and has made a significant impact on literacy, disaster relief, healthcare, and animal welfare.
‘Shine’ by Dolly Parton
Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s $2 million donation to aid in the recovery from Hurricane Helene speaks volumes about her deep connection to the people and places she calls home.
Beyond her legendary music, it’s her heart and commitment to helping others that truly set her apart.
Dolly’s generous contribution will provide critical support to families as they work to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the storm.
Her unwavering dedication, combined with her ability to bring comfort and hope, shows us all that even in the face of devastation, communities can come together and rise stronger.
Dolly’s efforts prove once again that she’s not just an entertainer—she’s a true champion for her people.
Last Updated: October 5, 2024
