Country superstar Dolly Parton was one of the people who pushed for efforts to raise funds for the 2016 Smoky Mountains Wildfires. And now, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has honored her for her efforts.
Dolly Parton’s Newest Honor
Parton is already very decorated in her own right. She had won eight Grammy Awards, 10 Country Music Association Awards, five Academy of Country Music Awards, three American Music Awards, two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the BMI Icon Award, the Library of Congress Living Legend Award, the National Medal of Arts Award, an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and more.
Now, she can add the FBI recognition with their 2018 Director’s Community Leadership Award for her fundraising efforts following the 2016 Smoky Mountain wildfires.
The Wildfires and the Efforts
In November 2016, devastating wildfires hit Sevier County in East Tennessee. Parton was quick to help. In an effort to raise funds for the families that were affected by the calamity the country superstar held a special telethon entitled “Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund” which aired on the 13th of December.
The telethon raised millions of dollars for Parton’s My People Fund, which began distributing checks in the amount of $1,000 each month to approximately 884 families whose primary residences were completely destroyed due to the fires.
Thanks to her fundraising efforts, she was able to provide each family with an extra $5,000, which brought the total assistance to $10,000 per family.
For You
Parton was honored with the FBI’s recognition and had filmed a thank-you video for them because she was not able to receive the video in person.
“Hey everybody, it’s Dolly, and I am so sorry I couldn’t be with you today to personally accept the award from Director Wray,” said Dolly. “But it is an honor for me to be recognized by the FBI, because there’s no higher calling than your mission to protect and serve us. And to my fellow recipients, thank you for all you do for our communities. Your work inspires all of us. So may y’all continue to have the faith, the strength, and the vision to make your dreams come true. So many thanks again, and remember that I will always love you! And thank you again.”
Watch it below!
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