Late last year horrific wildfires savagely blazed through Eastern Tennessee and left many residents without their homes, and some sadly without their lives. The forest fires also hit home for country music icon Dolly Parton and her theme park Dollywood, which resides in one of the most hard hit areas called Pigeon Forge.
When the tragedy struck, Parton immediately sprung into action by creating the My People Fund and promised each family who had lost its home in the fires $1,000 a month for the next five months to help them rebuild their lives.
Now five months later and down to the final payment, the families have been told that they will not be getting their $1,000 this month…they will be getting $5,000!
That’s $10,000 total to each family affected by the wildfires! Watch Dolly herself surprise some unsuspecting Tennesseans…
Parton’s generosity and caring does not stop there. Now that the My People Fund is coming to a close, Parton has announced the creation of the Mountain Tough organization, which will help the fire victims over the next three years with a pledge from the country music icon to fund it HERSELF with at least $3 million.
It makes me feel humble,” Parton said of being able to raise and donate money to the fire victims. “It makes me feel proud that I’ve been able to do something. But I don’t put myself on any kind of pedestal for doing this because it’s the right thing to do. I’m a Smoky Mountain girl, and I’ve been blessed in my life to become a celebrity. And when you’re in a position to help, you should help.”
I love my Smoky Mountains and my East Tennessee home. It's so important to take care of the land we love. #EarthDay https://t.co/mQ5GCKz8Ak
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) April 22, 2017
The Mountain Tough organization will begin operations on June 1st and will be staffed by caseworkers who will decide the best allocation of the money Parton has donated. Services will range from providing transportation to work or school…to even buying medicine for the wildfire victims. You can learn more on Dolly Parton’s website.
Share this heartwarming update with other Dolly Parton fans!
