The singer says she was "heartbroken" by the destruction wrought in the US by the powerful storm.

Music icon Dolly Parton has announced she will make a personal donation of $1m (£762,000) towards disaster recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Speaking at an event in her home state of Tennessee on Friday, the 78-year-old said the money would come “from my own bank account”.

Parton’s local commercial ventures - including the Dollywood amusement park - would also donate the same amount to the Mountain Ways Foundation, which is aiding those affected by flooding in the region.

During her remarks, Parton broke into song, singing “Helene, Helene” to the tune of her 1973 hit Jolene.

  • Flying Squid
    69•3 months ago

    When Dolly finally leaves us, she better fucking be lying-in-state at the Capitol so the country can mourn her loss. Because I’m not religious, but she’s as close to deserving sainthood as a person can get.

    • @Lost_My_Mind
      25•3 months ago

      Her, Fred Rodgers, and…yeah, that’s a short list. I’d add my grandmother there too, but nobody would know who I’m talking about.

      • Flying Squid
        8•3 months ago

        I sure as fuck wouldn’t add either of my grandmothers, but I’ll take your word for it on yours.