Two days after Dolly Parton revealed some of the artists who would be participating in her Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund telethon, eight more acts have been named.
Some of the first artists to become attached to the project were announced on Wednesday (December 7). They include, Reba McEntire, Alison Krauss, and Parton’s good friend and duet partner, Kenny Rogers. Now, more artists have agreed to participate in the telethon…and let us tell ya’ll, it’s quite the lineup.
On Friday (December 9), Parton announced in a press release eight additional artists who are set to perform during the benefit concert. They are: Chris Stapleton, Montgomery Gentry, Chris Young, Amy Grant, LoCash, Chris Janson, Big & Rich, and Michael W. Smith.
“I’m truly honored that these artists are giving their time and energy to help us raise money for everyone affected by the wildfires,” Parton said. “I’ve got so many great friends in the industry, and I’m so proud that they were so ready to step up and help me help my people in the Smoky Mountains through this telethon and the My People Fund.”
The 3-hour telethon will feature performances from Parton and her musical guests, and will air on multiple channels from 8-11 PM on December 13. You can catch it on GAC, AXS TV, RFD, and the Heartland Network. If you happen to be on the road at that time, many radio stations will also be broadcasting the telethon.
All proceeds raised will go towards Parton’s My People Fund. Parton established the fund to help assist those who lost their homes in the wildfires that tore through Sevier County, Tennessee. Parton was born in the county, and it serves as the home to her Dollywood theme park. Wanting to help her people in any way she could, Parton established the fund with a specific purpose in mind…to provide each family who lost a home with $1000 every month for the next six months.
During the Smoky Mountains Rise telethon, viewers will be able to call 1-866-CARE MORE to donate.
As of Tuesday (December 6), Parton had already raised $1 million through the My People Fund. Country stars such as Kenny Chesney and Toby Keith have mentioned her fund to their fans on social media, asking them to please donate if they can. Chesney, who is also from East Tennessee, teamed up with the CMA to donate $500,000 to the relief effort, with a portion of those funds being earmarked for the My People Fund.
No word yet if Chesney has signed on to perform for the telethon. There’s a possibility that more artists could be announced in the coming days, so we’ll have to wait and see.
Until the telethon airs, you can donate to the My People Fund by visiting the Dollywood Foundation website here. During the telethon, you’ll also be able to call 1-866-CARE MORE to make a donation. Tune in to the video below to hear Parton talk more about the telethon.
We’re keeping the people of East Tennessee in our prayers.