Dolly Parton Calls for Prayers for People in Her Hometown Amidst Wildfires
In 2022, wildfires in Tennessee prompted evacuation orders as they spread throughout the eastern part of the state. Sevier County, where Dolly Parton grew up, has been particularly impacted by the fire. The singer helped raise money for victims of another wildfire in 2016. She took to social media to address the first responders in her hometown and share her pride in the residents. Here’s what she had to say.
Dolly Parton grew up in Tennessee
Parton grew up in the Smoky Mountains, and the area still holds immense importance for her.
“I know I don’t seem like much of a nature girl and, okay, I probably won’t be going hiking in my heels anytime soon,” she wrote for Guideposts. “But the Smokies … they touch my soul. Let me tell you why. All that I am comes from those mountains where I was born and raised. If I close my eyes, I can see the mist on the peaks, the bluebirds on the fencepost, the meadows filled with purple ironweed and wild daisies.”
Parton, her parents, and her 11 siblings lived in a two-room home without running water or electricity. They were happy, though.
“We had everything we needed,” she said. “I should say, God gave us everything we needed, and almost all of it came right from his good green earth.”
She shared a message for the first responders fighting wildfires
Parton has strong roots in her hometown and was quick to speak out as wildfires spread and residents were evacuated.
“I’ve been keeping up with everything going on with the fires near my home area,” she wrote. “It looks scary on TV, but I’m proud of how everyone in the area has pulled together like they always do. I’m especially proud of the brave men and women who are working to contain the fire.”
Per WVLT Knoxville, over 3,700 acres of land have been impacted by the fires. Parton requested prayers for the residents who have been affected by the fires.
“I know there are some folks who have been affected, and I hope that you will join me in saying a prayer for them,” she wrote. “During this time, I’ve also remained in touch with my people at Dollywood who have assured me everything is okay there.”
Dolly Parton raised money following the 2016 wildfires in Tennessee
In 2016, wildfires destroyed around 15,000 acres of land in eastern Tennessee. At that time, Parton launched the My People Fund, which gave $1,000 monthly stipends to affected families. In total, the fund gave $12.5 million to those impacted.
“We started the distribution in December right around the longest night of the year and I know it felt dark and lonely for so many,” Parton said, per NPR. “But here we are in spring, a time for renewal and a time for hope. I know the money helps but most of all I want people to know we will always provide you a shoulder to lean on.”
