Devastating wildfires raced through Gatlinburg, Tennessee, near Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park on Monday. Officials estimate more than 150 homes and businesses were destroyed by the fire, which reportedly brushed up against the perimeter of Dollywood.
Visitors to Dollywood’s resort hotel and cabins were evacuated, and Parton has been keeping a close eye on the situation.
She released this statement on Tuesday. It says, “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.”
According to the "Knoxville News-Sentinel," Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller says the worst of the wildfire is over. Firefighters from across Tennessee have been dispatched to help put out the blaze.
Dolly has been doing her part to warn about the dangers of wildfires. On Sunday Dolly appeared with Smokey the Bear to help warn about the dangers of forest fires.
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