Country music icon Dolly Parton has joined forces with Walmart and Sam’s Club to provide substantial financial support for communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.
At an October 4 press event in Newport, Tennessee, Parton announced a $1 million personal donation for hurricane relief efforts, which her Tennessee-based businesses matched, bringing the total to $2 million.
This contribution will go towards urgent recovery operations to aid those impacted by the storm.
Parton expressed her deep connection to the affected areas, especially Eastern Tennessee, noting that she grew up in the mountains just like the people facing these hardships.
She stated her commitment to doing everything she could to support recovery efforts, as she feels a personal responsibility to help her “people” in this difficult time.
In addition to the financial contribution, Parton’s businesses, including Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, and Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, are working with the Mountain Ways Foundation to assist those impacted by the floods.
Dollywood has also partnered with Coca-Cola to provide essential supplies like water, tarps, and cleaning materials, while serving as a collection point for donations of personal hygiene and recovery items.
Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner also announced a significant contribution of $10 million from the retail giant to support recovery efforts in several states affected by Hurricane Helene, including Georgia, Florida, the Carolinas, and Tennessee.
Furner expressed deep sorrow for the communities affected, calling this one of the most widespread and destructive storms he has witnessed in his 31 years with the company.
Hurricane Helene made landfall the previous week and has since caused widespread devastation across Appalachia and the Southeast. More than 200 people have died in what is considered one of the deadliest storms in recent U.S. history.
Flooding has left millions without power and wiped out critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges, leaving many areas in dire need of aid.
At the event, Parton acknowledged the immense challenge facing the communities, expressing sympathy and encouragement for those struggling.
She emphasized the importance of supporting one another through difficult times and promised to continue doing her part in the recovery efforts.
The devastation left by Hurricane Helene continues to affect the Southeast, especially Eastern Tennessee, where many homes remain underwater and businesses are closed.
Ongoing recovery efforts by various organizations are focused on providing food, shelter, and medical assistance to those in need.
