One of the things I like the most about this amazing country we live in is our compassion for others. I know it doesn’t seem like it lately, but the fact is, there is more good than bad out there. There is more laughter and hugs than sniping and name calling to be found. And helping those in need? In ways big, small, and immeasurable people are being helped by their fellow Americans. One prime example is the horrific fires that ravaged at least two counties and decimated the towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Tennessee. People from all over the country have stepped up to help. Including one of Tennesee’s own, Dolly Parton.

She grew up in Sevier County and still considers it home.

So needless to say, the scope and ferocity of the fires broke her heart.

But Dolly didn’t wait for others to help out. After she checked on her family…

“My first thought was my family,” Parton said, her voice breaking with emotion. “Just my family, that’s always your first thought. It was so scary.”

She put a plan in motion through her Dollywood Foundation, the very same foundation that has brought books and the joy of reading to thousands of children over the years through her Imagination Library.

https://youtu.be/cBW4Jrlz224

Think about that. $1,000 a month for six months to each family left homeless from the fire. What a gift from the heart from one of America’s best treasures.

The fires have been so devastating and I love Dolly even more for doing this https://t.co/7zT9Gi5LEJ

— Leslie Grossman (@MissLeslieG) December 1, 2016

The fires burned well over 12,000 acres, left hundreds of families out of work, over 300 homes lost, businesses burned to the ground, and 14 people died. $1,000 a month doesn’t seem like much but in the grand scheme of things, those funds and the heart behind it will go a very long way to helping people get back on their feet physically and mentally. Tuesday she hosted a telethon to raise funds for the My Peoples Fund.

This money directly impacts those who have lost everything in the devastating Smoky Mountain wildfires in Tennessee. #SmokyMountainsRise

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) December 14, 2016

Some very big names were there.

“It’s my place to do this,” Parton said before a live show featuring performances from Reba McEntire, Kenny Rogers, Chris Stapleton, Amy Grant, Chris Young, Alabama, Alison Krauss, Cyndi Lauper, Hank Williams Jr. and more. “I should do it.”

And boy did she! Her efforts and her ability to wrangle some very big names to help and open their pocket books brought needed publicity to the cause.

These 3 hours have been absolutely incredible. Thank you to everyone who found it in their hearts to donate to #MyPeopleFund.

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) December 14, 2016

And America responded beautifully.

I'm overwhelmed by your generosity! In total, we've raised about $9 Million for the folks in Sevier County. https://t.co/rDlnONHj5p

— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) December 15, 2016

WOW! The greatness of America right there!

Dolly is a national treasure and our country is better for having her https://t.co/fDEjezMptF

— Michele Frost (@michelelfrost) December 15, 2016

Thanks to Dolly, those devastated by the fire will have a chance at Christmas and a strong chance at rebuilding their lives. Dolly is indeed a national treasure. Thanks to her, we are beautifully reminded that compassion, at a time when we need it the most, begins at home.