Dolly Parton’s “Smoky Mountains Rise” Telethon Raises Nearly $9 Million . . . and Still Counting

Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountains Rise telethon on Dec. 13 has already raised nearly $9 million, and the total amount is expected to rise as mail donations are counted and the telethon is rebroadcast to new audiences over the next five days.

More than 1300 families have been displaced due to the wildfires that spread across Dolly’s home area of Sevier County, Tennessee, in late November. Dolly established the Dollywood Foundation My People Fund to provide $1,000 each month for six months to every family who lost their primary residence.

In addition to huge donations from Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Chris Stapleton, Chris Young, Paul Simon and Dierks Bentley, the star-studded telethon featured performances from Dolly, Kenny Rogers, Hank Williams Jr., Chris Stapleton, Reba McEntire, Alison Krauss, Michael W. Smith, Chris Janson, Big & Rich, LOCASH, Chris Young, Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Cyndi Lauper, Don McLean, Amy Grant, Alabama, Aaron Lewis and Rhonda Vincent.

“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,” said Dolly. “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 dollars for the folks who lost everything in Sevier County.”

Anyone who would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the My People Fund may visit dollywoodfoundation.org. For those wishing to send donations via mail, those contributions should be sent to: My People Fund, c/o Dollywood Foundation, 111 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. Donations are also being accepted by texting DOLLY to 501501 for a onetime $10 donation or DOLLY25 to 501501 for a onetime $25 donation. Messaging and data rates will apply.

photos by Anna Webber/Webster PR; photo composite created by Jason Simanek for “Smoky Mountains Rise”

Blogs

Ella Langley Opens Up About Struggling With Mental Health While Experiencing Career Success

During an appearance on Sharla McCoy's Buckin' Broadcast during ACM week, Ella Langley opened up about her struggles with mental health despite her recent success in her music career. The country star reflected on her challenging week leading up to the 60th ACM Awards, where she was the most nominated artist and won five awards,…

Ella Langley Opens Up About Struggling With Mental Health While Experiencing Career Success

During an appearance on Sharla McCoy’s Buckin’ Broadcast during ACM week, Ella Langley opened up about her struggles with mental health despite her recent success in her music career. The country star reflected on her challenging week leading up to the 60th ACM Awards, where she was the most nominated artist and won five awards,…

Post Malone Partners With Stanley 1913 To Launch New Tumbler Range

Post Malone is collaborating with Stanley 1913 for a limited-edition range of drinks tumblers, that are set to launch on June 16th. Fans can sign up now via the brand's website to secure items from the collection, which was teased through a playful Instagram video featuring the chart-topping country music superstar. “I’ve always been a…

Post Malone Partners With Stanley 1913 To Launch New Tumbler Range

Post Malone is collaborating with Stanley 1913 for a limited-edition range of drinks tumblers, that are set to launch on June 16th. Fans can sign up now via the brand’s website to secure items from the collection, which was teased through a playful Instagram video featuring the chart-topping country music superstar. “I’ve always been a…

Reba McEntire Says She Initially Declined Joining ‘The Voice,’ And “Dreaded” Doing The Show At First

During an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Tuesday (May 13), Reba McEntire revealed that she initially hesitated to join The Voice as a coach, having turned down the offer in the past due to not wanting to critique contestants harshly. “I was really dreading it at first because I don’t want to…

Reba McEntire Says She Initially Declined Joining ‘The Voice,’ And “Dreaded” Doing The Show At First

During an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Tuesday (May 13), Reba McEntire revealed that she initially hesitated to join The Voice as a coach, having turned down the offer in the past due to not wanting to critique contestants harshly. “I was really dreading it at first because I don’t want to…

Trisha Yearwood And Rascal Flatts Lead Lineup For CMA Fest’s Fan Fair X Events

Trisha Yearwood and Rascal Flatts lead a stellar lineup of country music stars that are taking part in the exciting Fan Fair X events at CMA Fest taking place from June 5-8 in Nashville's Music City Center. The event will offer special panels, unique performances, meet-and-greets, and more. As part of the Artist of the…

Trisha Yearwood And Rascal Flatts Lead Lineup For CMA Fest’s Fan Fair X Events

Trisha Yearwood and Rascal Flatts lead a stellar lineup of country music stars that are taking part in the exciting Fan Fair X events at CMA Fest taking place from June 5-8 in Nashville’s Music City Center. The event will offer special panels, unique performances, meet-and-greets, and more. As part of the Artist of the…

Bruce Springsteen Shares Unheard Honky Tonk Tune, “Repo Man,” From ‘Tracks II’ Box Set

On Wednesday (May 14), Bruce Springsteen shared the previously unreleased song, “Repo Man,” a rollicking honky tonk number recorded during the same sessions as 1995’s The Ghost of Tom Joad. The song is another preview from Springsteen’s upcoming Tracks II: The Lost Albums box set, with “Repo Man” featured on the country-inspired Somewhere North of…

Bruce Springsteen Shares Unheard Honky Tonk Tune, “Repo Man,” From ‘Tracks II’ Box Set

On Wednesday (May 14), Bruce Springsteen shared the previously unreleased song, “Repo Man,” a rollicking honky tonk number recorded during the same sessions as 1995’s The Ghost of Tom Joad. The song is another preview from Springsteen’s upcoming Tracks II: The Lost Albums box set, with “Repo Man” featured on the country-inspired Somewhere North of…