Dolly Parton‘s Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund telethon will air tonight (Dec. 13) on GAC, AXS-TV, RFD and The Heartland Network, beginning at 8 p.m. EST.
Significant donations have already been committed before the airing, including pledges from Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
Artists performing on the show include Parton, Kenny Rogers, Hank Williams Jr., Chris Stapleton, Reba, 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.
“The donations that are already coming in are so special to me,” Parton said. “It means there are a lot of people behind us and ready to help us. There is still so much need to support the people of the Smoky Mountains, but thanks to Taylor and Kenny and both the ACM and CMA for gettin’ us started with such huge donations.”
More than 1300 families have been displaced due to the wildfires which spread across Parton’s home area of Sevier County, Tennessee in late November. The entertainment icon established the Dollywood Foundation My People Fund to provide $1000 each month for six months to every family who lost their primary residence. Currently, the monthly pledge is in excess of $1.3 million each month.
About the Author
Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
