Country music star Dolly Parton has joined forces with Walmart and Sam’s Club to provide financial aid to communities impacted by the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Parton expressed her deep connection to the affected areas, stating, “These are special people here; they’re my people.” She emphasized her desire to help those in need and alleviate their suffering after the devastating floods.
Parton’s generous donation, along with contributions from her businesses such as Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, and Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, will be directed towards the Mountain Ways Foundation. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to assisting individuals affected by the destructive floods in East Tennessee. In addition to monetary aid, Dollywood has partnered with Coca-Cola to provide water supplies and serve as a drop-off location for essential recovery items like buckets, tarps, cleaning materials, and personal hygiene products.
During the same event, Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner announced a substantial $10 million donation specifically allocated for hurricane recovery efforts in Georgia, Florida, the Carolinas, and Tennessee. Furner expressed his heartfelt concern for these communities where Walmart operates stores: “These aren’t just places where we have stores. These are communities where we work and live.”
Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across Appalachia and the Southeast upon making landfall last week. With over 200 fatalities reported so far, it is considered one of the deadliest storms of this century in the United States. The storm left millions without power while causing catastrophic flooding that destroyed numerous roads and bridges.
Speaking at an event in Newport following Hurricane Helene’s aftermaths on affected communities’ tolls on themselfs , Parton acknowledged their hardships while expressing solidarity: “I know it’s easy for us to say ‘Oh things are going to get better’ when things are still really bad.” She assured those facing adversity that they were not alone: “We are with you; we love you.”
The fallout from Hurricane Helene has left Southeastern communities grappling with unprecedented destruction. Many towns in Eastern Tennessee remain deeply impacted as homes remain submerged and businesses closed down due to extensive damage caused by flooding. Recovery efforts persist as various organizations strive to provide food assistance shelter medical support for those affected by this devastating natural disaster