In a Dollywood Foundation video, the much-loved singer said she would provide help “until they get back up on their feet.” She added, “I have always believed charity begins at home, and my home is someplace special. That’s why I’ve asked my Dollywood companies … to help me establish the ‘My People Fund.'”
At least seven people have been killed in the fires that engulfed Sevier County, Tennessee since Monday. But drenching rains the last 24 hours have helped to quench many of the wildfires, leaving fire officials and locals to begin cleanup and recovery efforts, even as many of them have no homes to return to.
Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner is one of those people who lost his home in the wildfires. He has stood in front of television cameras for the past two days, telling everyone “it’s going to be alright,” even though he had lost his home and seven buildings he owned in a condominium business.
Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller says a number of his firefighters also lost their homes in the fires, but no one has asked to be left off. “That’s just a testament to the dedication of these responders who serve this community. They put their own personal needs aside to take care of everybody else.”
According to CTV News, Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters said on Thursday that officials were still working to identify the seven dead and did not release any details on the cause of the deaths. Three brothers being treated in a Nashville hospital said they have not heard from their parents since being separated while fleeing the fire.
State law enforcement officials have set up a hotline for people to report missing family or friends. Details on the number of missing people were not available. Gatlinburg Police Chief Randall Brackins said that less than 30 percent of the city has been searched so far.
Dollywood will remain closed until Friday afternoon, while the Great Smoky Mountains — the most visited national park in the U.S. will remain closed at this time. Dolly Parton, 70, appeared in a public service advertisement on Sunday, asking people to be careful and avoid spreading the fires.
“I have been watching the terrible fires in the Great Smoky Mountains, and I am heartbroken. I am praying for all the families affected by the fire – and the firefighters who are working so hard to keep everyone safe,” she said.