Dolly Parton Holds 'Smoky Mountains Rise' Telethon for Families Displaced by Wildfires

By Aubrey Bartolome
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers perform in the "Smoky Mountains Rise" telethon.  Twitter/Dolly Parton

Country singer Dolly Parton held a telethon to support the victims of the Tennessee fire. The wildfires, which started November 29, is considered the largest in 100 years. It has already burned through tens of thousands of acres of land, killed 14 people and displaces more than a thousand families from the Sevier Country.

Parton, who is a native of the area,  claims her family is safe, but everything is burning around them. She had previously pledged $1,000 a month for six months for families have lost their homes in the fire. With around 1,300 families displaces, the monthly pledge will amount to $1.3 million every month.

"Everybody goes to the mountains. Their children, those hiking trails, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the United States, so it ain't just about it being my home, this is one of the greatest tourist areas in all of Tennessee or in the South I think or in the world as far as I'm concerned," said Dolly.

Around half a million dollars have already been donated to Dolly Parton's My People fund before the telethon which lasted for three hours. The "Smoky Mountains Rise" telethon was a huge success that a second line had to be added because so many people were calling to give their pledge of support.

The exact amount raised in the telethon has not yet been revealed, although Dolly said that millions were raised for the displaced victims of the fire.

The three-hour show began with Dolly Parton singing several of her songs. Her performance was followed by many more artists which included, Chris Stapleton, Kenny Rogers, Hank Williams Jr.,  Reba McEntire, Michael W Smith, Amy Grant, Alabama, and others.

There were also video messages by celebrities such as Kiefer Sutherland, Carrie Underwood, Steve Harvey and Katy Perry.  Some celebrities like Paula Deen, Cassadee Pope, Henry Cho and others also gave their time to the cause by answering phones during the telethon.

LOCASH, who performed during the event, said it was not just about raising money, but being a family and doing everything to support family members who are in need.

Pop star Taylor Swift donated $100,000 while Kenny Chesney and the Country Music Association donated $250,000.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo