Country music legends and other notable figures are stepping up to support relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Helene, which has left a devastating toll across several southeastern states, particularly in North Carolina and Tennessee.
With over 230 confirmed fatalities, and widespread destruction, many prominent figures are contributing to relief operations.
Dolly Parton, the iconic country music star, announced a $1 million donation from her Dollywood Foundation to support relief efforts through The Mountain Way Foundation. “I’m happy to be here,” Parton said during a press conference alongside Walmart CEO John Furner, who shared how the company has set up resources to help those displaced by the hurricane.
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Parton expressed her commitment to doing everything possible to assist those impacted, saying, “I’ve been like everybody else, trying to absorb everything going on, trying to figure out all the best ways to do this.”
NEW: Dolly Parton announces she is personally donating $1 million to Hurricane Helene victims, calls on people to step up and help out.
“Remember when we had the fires, everybody pitched in, tried to do everything that they could.”
“I really think that this is a time for me to… pic.twitter.com/axry9NTA7S
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 4, 2024
Morgan Wallen, another country star from East Tennessee, also made a substantial contribution.
Wallen donated $500,000 to the Red Cross via the Morgan Wallen Foundation to help those affected by the hurricane.
In a heartfelt statement, Wallen said, “My family in East Tennessee is safe, but I know many are absolutely devastated there and in multiple states.” Wallen also launched a “HELP” campaign, partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, to raise funds and collect food for victims. A food and water drive is scheduled in Knoxville on October 9, with volunteers preparing disaster relief boxes.
Eric Church, a North Carolina native, announced that he would donate all publishing royalties from his new song “Darkest Hour” to the people in his home state.
Church noted that areas in western North Carolina were “devastated” and that the song is dedicated to those in their “darkest hour” who need help. “We were going to wait to release music until next year, but it just didn’t feel right to wait with this song,” Church said, explaining that the song’s message aligns with the current situation and aims to provide long-term support.
Other notable country artists like Scotty McCreery and Luke Combs have also voiced their support for relief efforts.
McCreery appeared on “America’s Newsroom” to highlight the devastation in North Carolina, sharing that friends and loved ones in the region are dealing with unimaginable damage.
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Combs shared his condolences and promised to provide further support, stating that his team is organizing efforts to assist communities in the Carolinas.
Absolutely heartbroken for everyone impacted by Hurricane Helene. Especially my folks in Western North Carolina. Me and my team have been making some calls and I think we’ve got something really special lined up to help the Carolinas as much as we can. More details to come ASAP.
— Luke Combs 🎤 (@lukecombs) September 28, 2024
Meanwhile, Miranda Lambert has focused on helping animals affected by the storm.
Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation donated $100,000 to assist in the rescue and care of displaced animals, while urging others to contribute to the effort.
Beyond the country music community, other celebrities have lent their voices to raise awareness. HGTV star Ben Napier, who grew up vacationing in the Smokies of North Carolina and Tennessee, shared his personal connection to the region and urged fans to support relief organizations. “This place is a part of mine and Erin’s love story,” Napier wrote on Instagram, listing various organizations where people can donate.
Matthew Morrison, a former star of “Glee,” also took to social media to share his experience living in Asheville, North Carolina, one of the hardest-hit areas. He urged his fellow artists to raise awareness about the destruction, particularly for the local arts community, which has been severely impacted. “Asheville gave me so much when I needed it most, and now I feel called to give back,” Morrison said, appealing for help.
As the region continues to recover from Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact, search and rescue operations are ongoing, particularly in areas of western North Carolina that remain isolated due to catastrophic flooding. Nearly half of the 230 reported deaths have been in North Carolina alone, and efforts to rebuild the damaged infrastructure will likely take months.
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