$9M and counting raised during Smoky Mountains Rise telethon

(Courtesy: Smoky Mountains Rise telethon) (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

WKRN web staff – NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – The money donated during Tuesday night's Smoky Mountains Rise telethon is still being counted.

But so far, an outstanding $9 million was raised for the victims of the Sevier County wildfires.

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"I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the people who have donated from all over the country and to my friends who donated their time, their talent, and money for My People," Dolly Parton explained. "The response has been so overwhelming that we haven't been able to count all of the donations yet."

The total amount raised is expected to rise as mail donations are counted and the telethon is rebroadcast to new audiences over the next five days.

Anyone who would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the My People Fund may visit DollywoodFoundation.org.

For those wishing to send donations via mail, those contributions should be sent to: My People Fund, c/o Dollywood Foundation, 111 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.

Donations are also being accepted by texting DOLLY to 501501 for a onetime $10 donation or DOLLY25 to 501501 for a onetime $25 donation. Messaging and data rates will apply.

Two wildfires spread rapidly due to high winds overnight on Nov. 28, killing 14 people and destroyed over 2,400 homes and businesses. At least 1,300 people were displaced.

Parton's My People Fund will give all of those people $1,000 per month for six months to help get them back on their feet.