Dolly Parton and Walmart Pledge Millions for Helene Victims

Dolly Parton Steps Up with $2 Million for Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

The beloved country icon Dolly Parton has just made headlines for her generous contributions to Hurricane Helene relief efforts. During a heartfelt gathering in Newport, Tennessee, the music legend announced a remarkable donation of $1 million to the Mountain Ways Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding flood victims across the southeastern United States.

Parton’s commitment to her community didn’t stop there. The funds were matched by her own Dollywood Foundation and her various local businesses, including Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, and Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, culminating in total donations amounting to $2 million.

At the event held at Walmart, Parton voiced her sorrow over the destruction brought by the hurricane. “We wish that we were all together for another reason, but we all have seen the devastation. Who would have thought our little corner of the world would experience such disaster?” she reflected, emphasizing her deep-rooted connection to the region. “These are my mountains, these are my valleys, these are my people, and this is my home.”

Joining Parton was Eugene Naughton, president of the Dollywood Company, who reminded the audience of the past tragedies in Sevier County, noting how they illustrated the community’s resilience. He shared how the recent flooding impacted thousands in East Tennessee and neighboring areas. “While Sevier County was fortunate enough to escape severe damage, the lessons of resilience and neighborly love from the 2016 wildfires have motivated us to support those in need,” Naughton remarked.

Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner also announced the company’s significant commitment—$10 million to support the relief efforts in the areas affected by the hurricane. He assured attendees that Walmart would be present for the long haul, providing support beyond the media spotlight. Alongside this, Dollywood had previously collaborated with Coca-Cola to donate a semi-truck filled with water to aid recovery efforts, and also provided thousands of reusable and disposable protective garments and masks for the community’s cleanup initiatives.

Parton, always the empathetic soul, took a moment to respond to those suffering the most. “I know it’s easy to say things are going to get better when it feels like everything is lost. All we can offer is our love and support—we’re going to do everything we can to help make things better,” she assured.

This isn’t the first time Parton has stepped up for her community in times of crisis. In 2021, she donated a portion of her ticket sales from Dollywood and her various dinner shows to aid victims of flooding in Middle Tennessee. Additionally, she played a crucial role in the Dollywood Foundation’s My People Fund, providing $1,000 to families whose homes were destroyed during the harsh wildfires years ago, amassing over $9 million in relief funds through a star-studded telethon and offering much-needed financial assistance to affected families.

In a show of solidarity, fellow country artist Morgan Wallen recently reached out to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, pledging support for the flood victims. Wallen’s foundation has already contributed $500,000 to relief initiatives following Hurricane Helene, highlighting the tight-knit community spirit among artists from the region.

As Dolly Parton continues her philanthropic work, her actions serve as a reminder of the power of giving back and the importance of standing together in the face of adversity.