Dolly Parton Planning Telethon Dec. 13 to Benefit Tennessee Wildfire Victims

She has already promised to donate $1,000 per month to families that lost homes.

ByABC News
December 4, 2016, 2:42 PM

— -- Dolly Parton is going a step further to help the victims of wildfires in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee where the singer grew up.

The country music star is planning a telethon to support the many who have lost their homes in the devastating blazes.

Parton announced last week that she would donate $1,000 per month to each family that lost their homes to the wildfires that have scorched thousands of acres and burned hundreds of homes and other buildings. She set up the My People Fund for her donations.

Now, a rep for the singer confirmed to ABC News that Parton is planning a telethon on Dec. 13 in Nashville.

All of the proceeds from the telethon will go toward the My People Fund, set up by the singer's Dollywood companies and the Dollywood Foundation.

"More details coming soon," the rep added.

Although Parton, 70, has been in Los Angeles filming "The Voice," her thoughts have been back in Tennessee. The singer's Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge was barely saved from the wildfires.

Dean Fleener, a spokesperson with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, told ABC News last week that the flames were "right on the doorstep" of Dollywood, but crews were able to keep the fires away from the park.

"I’ve always believed charity begins at home, and my home is someplace special," Parton said when she announced the fund. "We want to provide a hand up to those families who have lost everything in the fires. I know it has been a trying time for my people, and this assistance will help get them back on their feet."

Related Topics