Dolly Parton sings ‘Helene’ as she pledges $1m in hurricane relief
Music icon Dolly Parton has announced a personal donation of $1 million (£762,000) for disaster recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.
At an event in her home state of Tennessee on Friday, the 78-year-old revealed that the funds would come “from my own bank account.”
Parton’s local commercial enterprises, including the Dollywood amusement park, will also contribute the same amount to the Mountain Ways Foundation, which is helping those affected by flooding in the region.
During her speech, Parton began singing “Helene, Helene” to the melody of her 1973 hit “Jolene.”
At least 225 people have died as a result of Hurricane Helene, which devastated the southeastern United States in late September.
Helene is the deadliest mainland storm since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, Helene caused extensive damage, flash flooding, and power outages for millions of homes. As of Saturday, more than half a million properties still lack electricity.
U.S. government officials have indicated that cleanup efforts may take years.
While a significant number of the fatalities occurred in North Carolina, deaths have also been reported in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
“This is my home,” Parton stated at Friday’s news conference, held outside a Walmart in Newport, Tennessee.
“God has been good to me, and so has the public. I feel that if there’s anything I can do to give back, I’m always willing to help. I want to do my part.”
She shared that many of her relatives live in the area, saying, “I was heartbroken like everybody else, and just amazed and devastated by it.”
She added, “All these people feel like my people.”
So far, eleven people have been confirmed dead in Tennessee due to the storm, according to the latest official report, with more individuals still unaccounted for.
At least two factory workers were swept away by floodwaters in Erwin, located in the state’s northeast.
EPAHelene damaged structures, caused flash flooding, and knocked out power to millions of homes.
When asked about her message to the victims, Parton replied, “I know it’s easy to say ‘oh, things are going to get better’ when things are still really bad.”
“All we can say is that we are with you, that we love you, and we hope things get better very soon — and we’re going to do our part to help make that happen.”
Coinciding with the news conference, Walmart announced an increase in its recovery funding to $10 million (£7.6 million).
The supermarket chain’s CEO, John Furner, stated, “These aren’t just places where we have stores. These are communities where we work and live.”
He also praised Parton as “a true American legend — not just for her music and art and business, but for her heart.”
The country music singer-songwriter has previously made significant donations in response to major events.
In 2016, her charity pledged to donate $1,000 a month to families impacted by wildfires in Tennessee.
In 2020, she contributed $1 million towards the development of one of the COVID-19 vaccines.
Dolly Parton Sings ‘Helene’ as She Pledges $1M in Hurricane Relief
Dolly Parton, the beloved country music icon, has committed to donating a whopping $1 million towards disaster recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. During a heartfelt announcement at an event in her home state of Tennessee, Parton confirmed that this substantial donation would come directly from her personal funds.
Details of the Donation
Parton, 78, highlighted her pride in supporting her community, stating that her local commercial ventures, including the famous Dollywood amusement park, would also contribute an equal amount to the Mountain Ways Foundation, which plays a significant role in assisting those affected by the severe flooding in the area.
Hurricane Helene’s Impact
Hurricane Helene has been reported as the deadliest storm to hit the mainland United States since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The hurricane, which made landfall as a Category 4 storm in late September, has caused extensive damage, flash flooding, and left millions without power.
Casualties and Aftermath
As a result of the storm, at least 225 lives have been tragically lost across multiple states, with North Carolina bearing the brunt of the casualties. Other affected states include Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Current reports indicate:
- Over half a million properties without electricity.
- Significant structural damages across various communities.
Parton’s Emotional Response
At a press conference outside a Walmart in Newport, Tennessee, Dolly Parton expressed her deep sorrow for the victims, saying, “This is my home. God has been good to me, and I feel that if there’s anything I can do to give back, I’m always willing to do that.” This passionate declaration resonated with many, as she emphasized her personal connection to the affected areas.
Dolly’s Performance: ‘Helene, Helene’
During her announcement, Parton performed a sweet rendition of a new song titled “Helene,” sung to the tune of her own classic “Jolene.” This touching moment reminded everyone present of the power of music to inspire hope and healing in dire situations.
Community Support and Further Recovery Efforts
Parton’s commitment to helping her community extends beyond her personal actions. The Walmart company announced it would increase its recovery funding to $10 million, aiming to support affected communities in their time of need. Walmart’s CEO, John Furner, referred to Parton as “a true American legend,” recognizing her philanthropic spirit.
Message to Victims
In a message directed towards the victims of Hurricane Helene, Parton shared her empathy for their situation, acknowledging how difficult recovery can be. She stated:
“All we can say is that we are with you, that we love you, and we hope things get better real soon.”
Table: Key Facts about Hurricane Helene
| Category | Impact Area | Loss of Life | Power Outages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 4 | North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia | 225 confirmed | Over 500,000 properties |
Past Philanthropic Efforts by Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is no stranger to generosity, having made numerous large donations in response to disasters over the years. Notably:
- In 2016, her charity pledged $1,000 a month to families affected by wildfires in Tennessee.
- In 2020, she contributed $1 million towards the development of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Helene: A Brief Overview
Hurricane Helene’s path of destruction not only physically affected the southeastern U.S. but also left emotional scars on families and communities. The hurricane’s trajectory and strength have sparked conversations about climate change and natural disaster preparedness.
Practical Tips for Hurricane Preparedness
As communities begin to recover, it’s essential to focus on preparedness for future storms. Below are practical tips:
- Have an emergency kit: Ensure it includes water, non-perishable food, medications, and first-aid supplies.
- Stay informed: Keep updated with local weather reports and alerts.
- Create an evacuation plan: Know your routes and alternatives in case of an emergency evacuation.
- Secure your property: Reinforce windows and doors, and clear gutters/overhanging branches.
Case Studies of Community Resilience
Communities impacted by previous hurricanes have shown exceptional resilience. In the aftermath of these natural disasters, many have come together to rebuild their infrastructure and support one another. For instance:
- New Orleans Post-Katrina: A combination of government and community efforts led to significant urban rebuilding initiatives.
- Houston after Harvey: Local businesses and citizens collaborated to provide housing and food to those displaced.
Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s $1 million pledge towards hurricane relief for Hurricane Helene exemplifies the spirit of giving. From heartfelt messages to community support, her actions challenge us all to contribute in meaningful ways during times of crisis. As we reflect on the impact of Helene, it becomes clear that recovery is a collective effort that requires compassion and dedication.
