Dolly Parton announced a massive $2 million donation to Hurricane Helene relief efforts during a press conference on Friday afternoon (Oct. 4) at Walmart in Newport, Tennessee. This Walmart location has supported the community by providing meals, showers, and laundry services to those impacted by Hurricane Helene’s severe flooding.
Parton Generously Donates $1 Million From Her Own Bank Account
At the press conference, the country music icon announced that she would be donating $1 million from her own bank account to the Mountain Ways Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) dedicated to providing immediate assistance to Hurricane Helene flood victims.
“I’m sure a lot of you [were] wondering where I’ve been. Everybody’s saying, ‘Where’s Dolly?’ Well, I’ve been like everybody else trying to absorb everything going on, trying to figure out all the best ways to do this,” the country legend admitted before explaining the disaster that left death and destruction across East Tennessee, North Carolina and other regions.
“We all have seen the devastation. I mean, who knew in our little part of the country here where I was born, raised, just right down the road that we would have this kind of devastation,” Parton said. “I look around, and I think these are my mountains, these are my valleys, these are my rivers flowing like a stream. These are my people, These are mountain colored rainbows, These are my people and this is my home.”
The 78-year-old singer/songwriter and worldwide phenomenon then announced her massive donation. “I really think that this is a time for me to step up again, for all of us to step up and do what we can. And of course, today I wanted to announce that from myself personally, just from my own bank account, I’m donating a million dollars,” Parton continued.
Dollywood And Parton’s Businesses Matched Her Donation, Raising The Donation To $2 Million
In addition, Dolly Parton’s East Tennessee businesses, including Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, as well as The Dollywood Foundation, matched her donation, raising the total contribution to Mountain Ways to $2 million.
“There’s a lot to be done, and we’re trying to find other ways to even raise more funds. But also with my Dollywood companies and all the people I’m involved with, Dollywood and Eugene, and all the partners that we have with our Stampede, The Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, and of course the Dollywood Foundation… And we’ve added another million dollars to that 1 million,” Parton revealed. “So we’re starting out with a good little hunk. And like I said, we’re trying to find other new ways to make money. It’s going to take a lot of money, as you know, and it’s going to take a long time. There’s still so much more to do.”
“I’m also appreciative that all my East Tennessee businesses and the folks at Walmart are contributing to flood relief. This money will certainly help a lot of people, but there is still so much more this area needs. I hope we’ll see more people make donations or volunteer because the people here need so much right now,” Parton later added.
Walmart Pledges $10 Million To Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
In addition to Parton’s generous donation, Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner announced that Walmart, as well as Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation, would increase their commitment and donate a total of $10 million to hurricane relief efforts across the affected states, including Georgia, Florida, North and South Carolina and Tennessee.
“One of the things we love most about Dolly as a partner is her incredible heart and care for her community,” Furner stated. “She reminds me of our associates, who are always the first to jump to action when our communities need us. This time is no different, and we will continue to provide support until they have recovered.”
“These aren’t just places where we have stores. These are communities where we work and live, and our hearts are broken for our friends and neighbors,” Furner added. “This is one of the most widespread and destructive storms I’ve seen in my 31 years with Walmart. But I’ve also seen over 31 years that Walmart associates always step up when needed. It’s who we are and who we will continue to be. We’ll support people and communities until they’ve recovered.”
Coco-Cola And Dollywood Donated Semi-Truck Of Water And Other Goods
Dollywood, in partnership with Coca-Cola, has already donated a semi-truck full of water for distribution in Cocke County, Tennessee. Additionally, Dollywood has provided 60,000 reusable masks, 30,000 disposable protective garments, and 2.5 million disposable masks to aid cleanup efforts across East Tennessee. They’ve also supplied disposable serving ware and utensils for thousands of meals distributed by Mountain Ways.
In collaboration with donation centers set up by the city of Pigeon Forge, Dollywood will also serve as a drop-off location for those wishing to contribute items for the cleanup effort. Needed items include buckets with lids, tarps, shovels, rakes, trash bags, work gloves, masks, cleaning wipes, diapers, baby formula, non-perishable food, can openers, first aid supplies, personal hygiene items, kitty litter, new socks and underwear, clean towels and blankets, laundry detergent, pet food, and hand sanitizer. Donations can be made at the designated drop-off area near the park’s front gate.
Encouraging People To Donate Or Volunteer With Mountain Ways Foundation
Dollywood Parks & Resorts officials are encouraging those who are able to donate or volunteer, to do so. Mountain Ways is partnering with local nonprofits and government officials to ensure that donations and resources reach the impacted communities.
“This beautiful region which we all love so much has an extreme challenge ahead of it,” Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President, shared. “And while it may be quite daunting right now, we know the spirit of the people in this region will help them overcome what faces them in the days ahead. We want to encourage others to donate or to volunteer in any way they can to help their neighbors and communities recover from this difficult time. Dollywood’s share of the donation from our ‘Love Shares’ program helps Mountain Ways get started in providing immediate assistance where needed. As local leaders are able to better assess their communities in the coming weeks, we will determine additional ways we can assist in the recovery effort.”
Monetary contributions can be made through the Mountain Ways Foundation website at mountainwaystn.org.
According to NBC News, at least 215 people have died as a result of the destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene, which first made landfall in Florida a week ago and left thousands without power and many roads impassable. Hundreds of people from North Carolina and other regions remain missing, and close to 1,000 active-duty military members are now joining The National Guard to assist in recovery efforts at the request of President Joe Biden.
