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

Keith Urban Discusses His ‘Opry 100’ Experience And His TV series With Blake Shelton

During an appearance on Friday Night Takeover with Rob + Holly, Keith Urban reflected on his recent performance at Opry 100, while also discussing his latest album, HIGH, and his forthcoming new TV series with Blake Shelton, The Road. Urban said that it was a unique experience singing one of Crystal Gayle's hits in front…

Keith Urban Discusses His ‘Opry 100’ Experience And His TV series With Blake Shelton

During an appearance on Friday Night Takeover with Rob + Holly, Keith Urban reflected on his recent performance at Opry 100, while also discussing his latest album, HIGH, and his forthcoming new TV series with Blake Shelton, The Road. Urban said that it was a unique experience singing one of Crystal Gayle’s hits in front…

Dustin Lynch Brings His Career “Full Circle” With First Performance At Red Rocks

Dustin Lynch fulfilled a lifelong dream with his debut performance at Colorado's iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre on April 16. Four songs into his set, the country star paid tribute to his musical roots by covering Incubus’ 1999 hit, “Drive,” alongside his former bandmates. "We're going to play a song by the band that inspired us…

Dustin Lynch Brings His Career “Full Circle” With First Performance At Red Rocks

Dustin Lynch fulfilled a lifelong dream with his debut performance at Colorado’s iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre on April 16. Four songs into his set, the country star paid tribute to his musical roots by covering Incubus’ 1999 hit, “Drive,” alongside his former bandmates. “We’re going to play a song by the band that inspired us…

Tyler Childers And Chris Stapleton Set To Co-Headline Healing Appalachia Benefit Festival

Chris Stapleton and festival co-founder Tyler Childers have been announced as the headliners for the 2025 edition of Healing Appalachia, which bills itself as “the largest recovery-based music festival.” The event is relocating to eastern Kentucky after five years in West Virginia, and is set to take place at “a mountaintop near the Boyd County…

Tyler Childers And Chris Stapleton Set To Co-Headline Healing Appalachia Benefit Festival

Chris Stapleton and festival co-founder Tyler Childers have been announced as the headliners for the 2025 edition of Healing Appalachia, which bills itself as “the largest recovery-based music festival.” The event is relocating to eastern Kentucky after five years in West Virginia, and is set to take place at “a mountaintop near the Boyd County…

Post Malone Closes Down Coachella With Star-Studded Set Featuring Jelly Roll And Ed Sheeran

Post Malone brought out Jelly Roll and Ed Sheeran during his headlining set on Sunday night (April 20) that brought Coachella's second weekend to a rousing close. Sheeran joined Post on "Sunflower," taking the place of his original collaborator Swae Lee on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, with the country superstar genuinely surprised at their…

Post Malone Closes Down Coachella With Star-Studded Set Featuring Jelly Roll And Ed Sheeran

Post Malone brought out Jelly Roll and Ed Sheeran during his headlining set on Sunday night (April 20) that brought Coachella’s second weekend to a rousing close. Sheeran joined Post on “Sunflower,” taking the place of his original collaborator Swae Lee on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, with the country superstar genuinely surprised at their…

Snoop Dogg Celebrates 4/20 By Releasing Psychedelic Video For “Last Dance With Mary Jane”

On Sunday (April 20), Snoop Dogg celebrated his enduring relationship with marijuana by releasing a trippy new music video for “Last Dance With Mary Jane,” which was directed by Dave Meyers. The single is a collaboration with country star Jelly Roll, and features a sample from late rock legend Tom Petty, and is lifted from…

Snoop Dogg Celebrates 4/20 By Releasing Psychedelic Video For “Last Dance With Mary Jane”

On Sunday (April 20), Snoop Dogg celebrated his enduring relationship with marijuana by releasing a trippy new music video for “Last Dance With Mary Jane,” which was directed by Dave Meyers. The single is a collaboration with country star Jelly Roll, and features a sample from late rock legend Tom Petty, and is lifted from…