Dolly Parton Telethon Raises $9M for Tennessee Wildfire Victims

Country music legend Dolly Parton has been instrumental in helping the people of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, rebuild after wildfires devastated their community. 

She has raised nearly $9 million through her Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Rise telethon, which recently aired on syndicated networks. 

The proceeds for the telethon will be used to continue to help families in the area.

"I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the people who have donated from all over the country and to my friends who donated their time, their talent, and money for My People," Parton said in a statement. "The response has been so overwhelming that we haven't been able to count all of the donations yet; right now, in total, we have raised about $9 million for the folks who lost everything in Sevier County."

The telethon, which aired Tuesday, featured pre-taped performances by Cyndi Lauper, Reba McEntire, Kenny Rogers, and Chris Stapleton. 

Celebrities like Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Paul Simon, and Dierks Bentley made significant donations as well as the Academy of Country Music. 

This is not the first time Parton has extended a helping hand.  In early December,  Parton announced that she would be donating $1,000 a month to families in need. 

"Now I've always believed charity begins at home," she said. "We want to provide a hand up to all those families that have lost everything in the fires and to recover."

Through her "My People Fund," she has been able to help 1,300 families who have been displaced. 

Her telethon is expected to raise more funds for Sevier County residents, as the program is set to broadcast multiple times.