Dolly Parton is known for many things since she burst onto the scene, replacing Norma Jean on the Porter Wagoner Show in 1967. She remained there until 1974. That is when she started her solo career as both a singer and as a songwriter. Her song “9 to 5” jump started her acting career. She opened an amusement park in her hometown of Pigeon Forge, Tenn, called Dollywood.
“I have been watching the terrible fires in the Great Smoky Mountains and I am heartbroken. I am praying for all the families affected by the fire and the firefighters who are working so hard to keep everyone safe. It is a blessing that my Dollywood theme park, the DreamMore Resort and so many businesses in Pigeon Forge have been spared.”
Parton may have been spared but many haven’t. That’s why Dolly made this announcement:
“As you may know by now, there have been terrible wildfires in the Great Smoky Mountains, the same mountains where I grew up and where my people call home. I have always believed that charity begins at home. That’s why I’ve asked my Dollywood Companies – Including the Dollywood Theme Park, and DreamMore Resort; My dinner theater attractions including Dixie Stampede and Lumberjack Adventure; and my Dollywood Foundation to help me establish the ‘My People Fund.’ We want to provide a hand up to those families who have lost everything in the fires. To aid in their recovery effort, the Dollywood Foundation will provide $1,000 a month to all of those families who lost their homes in the fires for six months so that they can get back on their feet.”
Donations are welcome through the Parton’s official website.