Some Of Country Music’s Biggest Stars Have Pitched In To Help With Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, several of country music’s biggest stars have stepped up to help those in need.
Helene made landfall on September 26 as a Category 4 hurricane. The storm traveled hundreds of miles over the Southeastern United States, leaving destruction in its wake.
Millions of buildings were damaged, roads and bridges were destroyed, and countless residents were left without electricity, food, or other essential supplies. Flooding and other storm damage have made it incredibly challenging to reach people in need, especially in more rural areas.
According to a report published by ABC 11 Raleigh-Durham early on Monday (October 7), the death toll has now surpassed 230. ABC 11 notes that “the toll could rise even higher” as search efforts are still underway for missing people.
In the midst of immense tragedy, the American people have stepped up to help those in need. Some of the strongest support has come from country stars, who’ve helped raise awareness and have donated toward relief efforts.
Many of these artists come from the areas affected by Helene…so this is personal for them.
See A List Of Country Stars Who’ve Done Their Part To Help In The Aftermath Of Hurricane Helene
Morgan Wallen
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Morgan Wallen is from East Tennessee, one of the areas hit hardest by Helene. Wallen was quick to speak up after the storm, vowing to do something to help the area he calls home.
First, Wallen donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross through his Morgan Wallen Foundation. Later, Wallen announced his foundation’s plans to host a food and water drive to help those in need.
The drive was on Wednesday, October 9, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Members of the University of Tennessee’s Vols baseball team were some of the first volunteers who showed up to help. Wallen also attended the food drive and lent a helping hand.
Additionally, Wallen is selling limited edition “HELP” T-shirts to help raise funds. All proceeds from the T-shirts will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee and MANNA FoodBank of Western North Carolina to help with their relief efforts. You can order the T-shirts on Wallen’s official website.
Luke Combs
Luke Combs is from North Carolina, which was severely impacted by Helene. After the storm, Combs took to social media to share his plans to do something to help his home state.
He said:
“Absolutely heartbroken for everyone impacted by Hurricane Helene. Especially my folks in Western North Carolina. Me and my team have been making some calls and I think we’ve got something really special lined up to help the Carolinas as much as we can. More details to come ASAP.”
On Monday (October 7), it was revealed that Combs will join fellow North Carolina native Eric Church, along with Keith Urban, Sheryl Crow, Billy Strings and James Taylor, in a Concert for Carolina.
The concert will be held on Saturday, October 26, at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tickets go on sale Thursday, October 10, at 10 AM ET.
All proceeds from the concert will be donated toward Hurricane Helene relief efforts in the Carolina region.
Randy Travis
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North Carolina native and country music legend Randy Travis shared his prayers for everyone who was affected by Hurricane Helene. Travis also urged his followers to do anything they can to help those in need.
“…so whether you have $1 or $1000 to offer, every penny helps exponentially,” he wrote. “Many different organizations are offering recovery assistance. God shed His grace on our neighbors in the Southeast.”
Miranda Lambert
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As a huge animal lover, Miranda Lambert has a foundation called the MuttNation Foundation that helps pets in need. The organization has often jumped in to help pets affected by natural disasters, and Helene is no exception.
Lambert announced that the MuttNation Foundation donated $100,000 toward helping pets and animals in the wake of Hurricane Helene. She said many of the animal shelters in the storm’s path were already suffering due to overcrowding, and now the situation is even more “dire.”
Lambert also shared a fundraiser that MuttNation is running in coordination with Tractor Supply Company to continue helping pets affected by Helene.
Thomas Rhett
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Thomas Rhett shared a video expressing his heartbreak over the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. In the caption, he included a long list of organizations assisting with relief efforts, some of which he and his wife, Lauren, donated to themselves.
“The below are suggestions on organizations that you might consider supporting. Please do your own research and make sure that you feel informed about your decision to donate,” Thomas said.
Jason Aldean
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Georgia native Jason Aldean joined Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones to present a generous donation to Samartian’s Purse. Jason and his wife, Brittany (from North Carolina), personally donated $500,000.
Additionally, they presented a second check for $6.5 million, which was raised through Donald Trump’s GoFundMe for hurricane relief efforts. The Aldeans have been friends with Trump for several years.
Brittany also shared a video on her Instagram page showcasing the moment when they presented the donation during the closing show on Jason’s Highway Despardo Tour in his hometown of Macon, Georgia.
Chris Janson
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Grand Ole Opry member Chris Janson and his family loaded up their truck and a plane with food and water to bring to those in need in East Tennessee. He also shared his prayers for the victims.
Janson said, “Prayers to All the people across the country hit by this devastating hurricane.”
Scotty McCreery
North Carolina native Scotty McCreery lives in Avery County, one of the areas Helene hit the hardest. He shared his heartbreak over the destruction Helene caused and called on his fans to help in any way they could.
Scotty mentioned three organizations he thinks are doing “amazing work” to help those in need. He and his wife, Gabi, also personally donated to all three of these organizations.
The organizations Scotty mentioned were Samaritan’s Purse, Greater Good Music, and Baptists on Mission.
Sturgill Simpson
Grammy winner Sturgill Simpson announced his plans to host a benefit concert on October 21 at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, North Carolina. All ticket sales will be donated to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund.
The local venue pre-sale starts at 10 AM ET on Thursday, October 10. Then, the general public on-sale will start at 10 AM ET the following day, Friday, October 11.
Dolly Parton
Country music legend Dolly Parton personally donated $1 million toward Hurricane Helene relief efforts and an additional $1 million through her various business ventures and her Dollywood Foundation. Parton shared the news of her donations during a press conference held at the Walmart in Newport, Tennessee.
“I just want you to know that I am totally with you because I am part of you. I love you…I’m just happy to be here to try to help out,” Parton said.
According to Knox News, Parton’s donations will go to the Mountain Ways Foundation.
Eric Church
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North Carolina native Eric Church wanted to do everything he could to help his home state during this difficult time. He’s been contributing to “boots on the ground” efforts to assist in the immediate aftermath.
Additionally, Church did something that will hopefully help in the long term. He released a new song, titled “Darkest Hour,” and signed away all rights and royalties to North Carolina to help with the state’s relief efforts.
“It’s no longer mine,” Church said about the song. “It’ll be theirs. All the proceeds, all the money, all the future money.”
You can listen to “Darkest Hour” in the clip below.
As mentioned previously, Church will also participate in the Concert for Carolina benefit concert on October 26.
Want to learn more about how you can personally help those affected by Hurricane Helene? This article contains a list of organizations assisting with relief efforts.