Dolly Parton and Walmart donate to aid flood relief efforts

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Dolly Parton and her East Tennessee Businesses along with Walmart announced their significant contributions to flood relief.

This was announced at a special event held at Walmart #678 in Newport, Tennessee.

Dolly announced a $1 million contribution to the Mountain Ways Foundation, which is dedicated to providing immediate help to flood victims.

Her East Tennessee businesses also announced they would match her $1 million contribution, and donate it to Mountain Ways as well.

“These are special people here; they’re my people.  I feel like all people are my people, but everyone here grew up in the mountains just like I did so of course I have a close connection to them. I can’t stand to see anyone hurting, so I wanted to do what I could to help after these terrible floods. I hope we can all be a little bit of light in the world for our friends, our neighbors—even strangers—during this dark time they are experiencing,” said Dolly.

Walmart U.S. President and CEO, John Furner, also announced at the event that the company is increasing their donation to $10 million to hurricane relief efforts.

“One of the things we love most about Dolly as a partner is her incredible heart and care for her community.  She reminds me of our associates who are always the first to jump to action when our communities need us. This time is no different, and we will continue to provide support until they have recovered,” said Furner.

Dolly’s theme park, Dollywood, will also become a drop off location for anyone wanting to donate to relief efforts.

Donations are being accepted at the front gate, the designated drop off point.