“We Can Do It. Love, Dolly”: Dolly Parton Makes Additional $1 Million Donation to Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

Due to Hurricane Helene, millions of Appalachian residents have unfortunately been forced to demonstrate the region’s incredible resilience. The category 4 storm slammed into Florida Sept. 26, leaving a path of destruction from Georgia to North Carolina. Luke Combs and Eric Church, two born-and-bred Appalachian country stars, united over the weekend to raise more than $24 million for those still struggling. And while fellow Appalachian country star Dolly Parton couldn’t attend, that didn’t stop the “Jolene” singer from opening up her pocketbook.

Dolly Parton Donates an Additional $1 Million to Hurricane Helene Victims

Hailing from rural East Tennessee, Dolly Parton has never forgotten her roots. On Saturday (Oct. 26), Luke Combs and Eric Church brought Billy Strings, James Taylor, and more to Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium for the Concert for Carolina benefit.

Host Marty Smith read out a statement from Dolly announcing a $1 million donation to Hurricane Helene relief efforts. The money comes from the $100 million Courage and Civility award that the “I Will Always Love You” hitmaker received from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his partner, Lauren Sanchez.

Smith informed the crowd that Dolly would donate $1 million “to my neighbors in North Carolina.”

“I know money won’t solve all the pain and suffering these floods have caused, but maybe it will help some of our people with recovery,” Smith read. “It will take all of us working together, but we can do it. Love, Dolly.”

This generous contribution is on top of the $1 million Dolly donated “from my own bank account. She also contributed $1 million from her various business endeavors.

Country Stars Pitch in With “Long-Term Rebuilding”

Sadly, Dolly Parton’s neighbors in North Carolina are still facing a tremendous path to recovery in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Fortunately, they have the backing of some pretty major country acts.

Eric Church has made it clear that he’s in this for the long haul. The “Heart on Fire” singer recently announced plans to “immediately” build homes for 100 families in Avery County, North Carolina, and surrounding areas. Through his Chief Cares Foundation, Church is also helping to address longer-term needs. Those include creating jobs, rebuilding schools and supporting local businesses.

“Often when disaster strikes, funds flow in from great people wanting to help, but when the world turns its eye to the next devastation, a lot can get lost and fall through the cracks,” Church said. “We are committed to the long-term rebuilding of these communities.”

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