December 1, 2016
Country music legend Dolly Parton launched the My People Fund in an effort to help those effected by the devastating wildfires that swept through eastern Tennessee this week. Parton, who was born and raised in Sevier county, has helped make the area a tourist destination with her Dollywood theme park, dinner attractions Dixie Stampede and Lumberjack Adventure and DreamMore Resort which just opened in 2015.
While her business were spared and will open this week, Parton’s fund is pledging $1,000 a month to Sevier County families who lost their homes to the fire. More details will be announced tomorrow, but those wanting to help can donate to the fund.
According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, more than 14,500 were displaced and over 2000 were taken to emergency shelters. The original blaze was a 500 acre fire, but high winds and downed power lines caused it to expand. The fire now covers 15,653 acres and is 10% contained.