In a significant show of support, Dolly Parton has partnered with retail giant Walmart to fund relief efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Tennessee.
Parton and Walmart's donation amounting to $12 million will greatly alleviate the impact on the hurricane-stricken communities, KREX Grand Junction reported.
At a recent event held in Walmart’s Newport, Tennessee location, country music legend Dolly Parton announced a generous $1 million donation through her Mountain Ways Foundation to assist the flood victims of Hurricane Helene.
Matching this gesture, her associated enterprises, including Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, and Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, contributed an additional $1 million. This combined effort underscores a committed response from Parton’s organizations to aid in local recovery.
Eugene Naughton, President of the Dollywood Company, was also present at the event. He shared insights into the region's history of overcoming natural disasters and the intentions behind their prompt response to Hurricane Helene's aftermath.
Adding to Parton’s contributions, Walmart U.S. President and CEO, John Furner, declared a substantial $10 million donation. This fund, pooled with resources from Sam's Club and the Walmart Foundation, is earmarked for hurricane relief across multiple states affected by Helene.
Furner emphasized Walmart's commitment to long-term recovery efforts, highlighting the organization’s dedication to staying involved well past the initial media attention phase.
Further aid came via a collaboration between Dollywood and Coca-Cola, with the donation of a semi-truck filled with water, helping alleviate immediate needs in Cocke County.
The Dollywood Foundation did not stop there; it also provided significant quantities of protective equipment including 60,000 reusable masks, 30,000 disposable garments, and 2.5 million disposable masks for those participating in cleanup operations across East Tennessee.
Additionally, Dollywood has established itself as a central donation drop-off point, facilitating further community involvement in the ongoing relief efforts.
During the event, Parton spoke emotionally about the destruction within her home region. "We wish that we were all together for another reason, but we all have seen the devastation," she said, pointing out the unexpected scale of disaster in her native area.
Parton’s heartfelt connection to her roots was palpable as she addressed the audience, further enriching her message with personal reflections, “These are my mountains, these are my valleys. These are my people and this is my home.”
She conveyed optimism and solidarity with the affected communities, emphasizing collective efforts to overcome the current challenges. “I know it’s easy for us 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, we love you. We hope that things get better real soon and we’re going to do our part to try to make that possible,’” Parton stated.
The solidarity and quick action demonstrated by Dolly Parton, her associated businesses, and Walmart underline a robust approach to disaster response and community support following Hurricane Helene.
This collective effort showcases the power of collaboration between private entities and community figures like Parton, who bring not only financial aid but also a deep personal commitment to the affected areas.
As the recovery process begins, substantial financial assistance and the provision of essential supplies are crucial first steps in rebuilding the lives of many in East Tennessee and beyond.
