Three weeks after devastating floods swept through parts of Middle Tennessee, killing 20 people and destroying homes, damaging tourist attractions and businesses in Nashville, one of state’s biggest stars has vowed to help the troubled Country Music Capital. Dolly Parton has donated the weekend takings of her East Tennessee tourist attractions to the cause, and has urged others to dig deep and help flood victims.
Dolly Parton says the proceeds from every guest who attended her Dollywood and Dixie Stampede companies on May 22 and 23, 2010, will go into a special fund to help Nashville flood victims. In a statement, Dolly says the money raised over her Dolly Helps Nashville weekend will go to those who lost their homes and possessions in the Tennessee floods, which were about 200 miles from Dollywood.
“I grew up in the Smokies in East Tennessee, which was my first home. I moved to Nashville 46 years ago and that is my home now. I have family and friends in both places, and when one place hurts, I think it is just right for the other to help.”
Dolly Challenges Tennessee Businesses to Donate to Nashville
Dolly says she is challenging other businesses in Pigeon Forge and nearby Sevierville and Gatlinburg to join her in donating to their neighbours.
“So many of the folks from Nashville have been coming to the Smokies. Over the last 25 years, they have helped Dollywood, Dixie Stampede and Dollywood’s Splash Country and this entire vacation area grow and that's why it's our turn to help.”
Those who are unable to visit the area and would like to help can donate to the flood victims through Dolly Parton’s Official website. By the end of Sunday the 23rd May 2010, more than $40,000 had been donated through Dolly’s website. Officials say once donations from Dolly’s theme parks are added, the fund could be in the six figures.
Country Music Stars Rally to Help the World's Country Music Capital
Dolly Parton is one of a number of country music stars to donate money to the Nashville flood relief effort. Taylor Swift, who moved to Nashville when she was 14 years of age, donated $500,000 the week after the floods took place.
At the time, Swift told AP news agency that she was devastated by what was happening to the city and people she loved. "I have always been proud to be a Nashvillian but especially now, seeing the love that runs through this city when there are people in crisis."
The Country Music Association has said half of the profits from the 2010 CMA Music Festival will also be donated to the flood relief. The festival takes place from the 10th to 13th of June 2010 in Nashville. Stars at the 2010 festival include Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw and Reba McEntire.
Related Articles:
- Nashville Floods Damage Tourist Attractions: A look at the damage the floods caused to some of Nashville’s top tourist attractions, including the Grand Ole Opry and Downtown Nashville.
- Nashville’s Tourist Attractions: A guide to some of the most popular tourist attractions in the Country Music Capital of the World.
- Dolly Parton’s Home Spun Theme Park, Dollywood: More than two and a half million people a year travel to the Smoky Mountains every year to visit Dollywood. Find out what's in store when they arrive.
- Dolly Parton’s 25th Anniversary Parade: Fans turn out to see Dolly and more than 100 other floats in the annual Dolly Parton Parade.
Amanda Woods - Amanda Woods is a journalist and producer with more than 15 years experience in radio, television and print. She now enjoys sharing her ...
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