Dolly Parton is once again proving why she’s cherished far beyond her musical achievements by making a generous $1 million donation to aid victims of Hurricane Helene. She joins a growing list of celebrities, including Morgan Wallen and Ivanka Trump, who are contributing millions to support relief efforts as communities grapple with the devastation.
With over 200 lives lost and countless others impacted, donations have surged from all sectors, providing essential aid to the hardest-hit areas and offering hope as the recovery process begins.
The beloved country singer teamed up with Walmart to donate $1 million to help those affected by the catastrophic storm. During a press conference at a Walmart in Newport, Tennessee, she performed a modified version of her classic 1973 hit “Jolene,” changing the lyrics to reflect the storm’s impact: “Helene, Helene, Helene, Helene/You came in here and broke us all apart/Helene, Helene, Helene, Helene/But we’re all here to mend these broken hearts.”
Parton spoke emotionally about the tragedy’s impact on her hometown, calling the region “my home” and its people “my people.” “It’s unimaginable to see such devastation here, where I grew up,” she said, according to the *Post*. “These are my mountains, these are my valleys, these are my rivers—flowing like a stream. These are my people.”
At the same event, Walmart CEO John Furner announced an additional $10 million donation from Walmart, Sam’s Club, and the Walmart Foundation to aid recovery efforts.
Parton’s contribution came shortly after fellow country artist Morgan Wallen donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross to support his hometown region of East Tennessee in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s widespread destruction.
“My family in East Tennessee are safe, but I know many are absolutely devastated in multiple states,” Wallen shared on Instagram. “Those hills and hollers mean so much to me. This will require a monumental effort, and I’m working with my team to find more ways to help.”
Meanwhile, Ivanka Trump visited North Carolina to assist with relief efforts, serving food and distributing supplies to families impacted by the storm. She brought her 10-year-old son, Joseph, along, and they worked alongside first responders and volunteers. Ivanka also helped deliver 300 Starlink systems from SpaceX to the affected region, which will provide high-speed internet connectivity for those in need.
Former president Donald Trump’s fundraiser for Hurricane Helene victims has raised over $2 million from more than 14,000 donations as of Tuesday.
N.C. State football player Davin Vann also spearheaded a successful donation drive, collecting essentials such as food, water, and hygiene products to support victims in western North Carolina. His family’s moving company supported the initiative, which exceeded expectations and will continue throughout the week.
“That was kind of my mindset going into it,” Vann told the Associated Press. “I hoped we’d get enough people to make even a small difference. The turnout was way beyond my expectations.”
Earlier, Elon Musk took to his social media platform X to criticize FEMA for allegedly obstructing private planes carrying Starlinks and relief materials to victims—a claim the organization has denied. Musk, who has been actively involved in relief efforts, shared a screenshot of a conversation indicating the FAA had “shut down” airspace and limited flights.
“SpaceX engineers are trying to deliver Starlink terminals & supplies to devastated areas in North Carolina right now, and @FEMA is both failing to help AND won’t let others help. This is unconscionable!!” Musk wrote.
The American Red Cross continues to work tirelessly with numerous partners to deliver aid as swiftly as possible, with several celebrities contributing generously to support the organization’s relief initiatives.
