Dolly Parton Continues To Fuel Rumors That Angels Exist on Earth With Her Latest Charity Move

Who doesn’t love Dolly Parton? Beyond her prolific music career, Parton has done a massive amount of philanthropic work that actually gets to the people who need it most.

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Her Imagination Library, which provides free books to children, has given away over 160 million books worldwide since launching in 1995. In 2016, she raised more than $9 million for the victims of the Gatlinburg wildfires through her My People Fund, aiding hundreds of families in rebuilding their lives. And let’s not forget her generous donation of a million dollars to Vanderbilt University’s COVID-19 research, which contributed to the development of the Moderna vaccine.

Now, Parton is turning her attention to those impacted by the devastation of yet another climate crisis — Hurricane Helene. On October 4, she made a surprise visit to a Walmart in her childhood town Newport, Tennessee — and announced she was personally donating a million dollars to the Mountain Ways Foundation. This group is actively supporting East Tennessee communities hit hard by the flooding from the storm.

Her companies, including the Dollywood Foundation and Dollywood Parks and Resorts (where she generously covers college education costs for any employee who wants one), are matching her donation. With support from Walmart, Dolly is looking to maximize her impact and is encouraging others to help out too.

“Remember when we had the fires, everybody pitched in, tried to do everything that they could,” she said at a press conference. “I really think this is a time for me to step up again for all of us to step up and do what we can.”

“I know it’s easy for us to say, ‘Oh, things are going to get better’ when things are still really bad,’ she said. “All we can say is that we are with you. We love you.”

The aftermath of the storm is severe, with at least 223 lives lost and hundreds still missing. Parton’s pledge offers hope to these communities throughout this climate —Tennessean communities like the one she grew up in. “Who would’ve known that in this little part of the country where I was born and raised would have this kind of devastation? I am totally with you because I am part of you,” she told local news outlet WVLT .

For those looking to assist victims of Hurricane Helene, donations can be made to several organizations offering vital support. The Red Cross and Save the Children are actively providing immediate aid, including food, shelter, and medical supplies. Locally, the Mountain Ways Foundation is focused on recovery efforts in East Tennessee communities.

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