Dolly Parton’s My People Fund Climbs To $9.3 Million, Begins Distribution

In a little more than two weeks after the wildfires that spread across Sevier County, Tennessee, Dolly Parton and the Dollywood Foundation’s My People Fund has distributed its first round of cash assistance for 884 families who lost their primary residence (renters and homeowners).

In part, the fund was supported by Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund telethon on Tuesday, Dec. 13. Thanks to generous people from coast to coast and Parton’s friends, the total amount raised during the event has climbed to $9.3 million.

“It’s a blessing during this holiday season that we are able to help as many families as we have so far,” Parton said. “We know there are more families out there who need our help and we encourage them to be in contact with us before our January distribution.”

More than 1,300 families are said to have been displaced during the tragedy. A pre-application for those affected is available at dollywoodfoundation.org.

“As, Dolly said, the response has been overwhelming,” David Dotson, Dollywood Foundation President said. “We will distribute all $9.3 million to the families affected. That will insure all of the money raised will go to where Dolly promised it would go.”

The next distribution is Jan. 26 and 27, 2017 at the LeConte Events Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.