Country music icon Dolly Parton and retail giant Walmart have pledged millions of dollars to assist victims of Hurricane Helene, which has devastated communities in western North Carolina.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene's catastrophic impact on western North Carolina, legendary country music star Dolly Parton and Walmart have stepped forward to provide substantial support to those affected.
Parton, a native of the affected region, announced a generous donation of $1 million to Hurricane Helene relief efforts through her Dollywood Foundation. The foundation also contributed an additional $1 million to The Mountain Ways Foundation, bolstering the fund dedicated to providing aid to the ravaged communities.
Dolly Parton, Walmart Step Up to Aid Victims of Hurricane Helene
Walmart CEO John Furner joined Parton at a press conference to announce that the company, along with Sam's Club and the Walmart Foundation, had increased their relief commitment to $10 million, up from an initial $6 million. This comprehensive support will provide essential resources and services to Americans displaced by the hurricane.
Expressing her deep concern and empathy for the victims, Parton stated, "I'm sure a lot of you are wondering where I've been. Well, I've been like everybody else, trying to absorb everything going on, trying to figure out all the best ways to do this."
Dolly Parton, Walmart Step Up to Aid Victims of Hurricane Helene
She continued, "We're all here to mend these broken hearts, and that's what I'm doing here. I really, really wish that we were all together for another reason." However, she acknowledged the immense devastation wrought by the hurricane, saying, "Who knew in our little part of the country here where I was born... that we would have this kind of devastation? These are my mountains, these are my valleys. These are my rivers... These are my people, these mountain-colored rainbows."
Parton conveyed a message of hope, acknowledging the challenges faced by victims but promising that they were not alone. "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."
Dolly Parton, Walmart Step Up to Aid Victims of Hurricane Helene
The unprecedented rainfall from Hurricane Helene has inundated communities nestled deep within mountains, far from the threat of storm surge. The Rocky Broad River has overflowed into Lake Lure, carrying debris from Chimney Rock and exacerbating the devastation.
Communication remains a critical challenge in the affected areas, with power and cell service disrupted. Residents rely on temporary cell service towers set up in select locations, but outside those zones, no service or roaming data is available.
The death toll from Hurricane Helene has risen to at least 224 across six states, and the number is expected to climb as search and rescue teams continue their efforts. Before the hurricane made landfall, federal forecasters warned of the potential for severe flooding, comparable to the catastrophic events of 1916, when two hurricanes within a week killed at least 80 people and brought record rainfall to the region.
In addition to the generous contributions from Parton and Walmart, other celebrities and organizations have offered their support. Eric Church is donating royalties from his new song to hurricane relief efforts, and Morgan Wallen has made a donation while expressing his concerns about the safety of his family amidst the devastation.
