Country Music icon Dolly Parton has released a statement in which she says she is “heartbroken” over the devastation from the wildfires in East Tennessee.
Some areas near Gatlinburg have been destroyed after fire tore through the area Monday night. However, the downtown portion of Gatlinburg appears to have been spared from the worst of the flames.
More than 100 structures, including several homes, have been destroyed. Thousands of people, including about 14,000 from Gatlinburg, have fled the area.
Officials at Dollywood said while no flames have been reported within 100 feet of the property, the park remains evacuated.
Dolly Parton has released the following statement:
“I have been watching the terrible fires in the Great Smoky Mountains and I am heartbroken. I am praying for all the families affected by the fire and the firefighters who are working so hard to keep everyone safe. It is a blessing that my Dollywood theme park, the DreamMore Resort and so many businesses in Pigeon Forge have been spared.”
Just days ago, she partnered with the National Park Service to release a video urging people to avoid burning leaves, make sure chains on trailers are tied so they don't cause sparks, and avoid parking vehicles on dry grass, according to The Associated Press.
