During a recent interview with Fox News Digital, the country‑music pair Big Kenny and John Rich spoke about Dolly Parton’s direct involvement in the relief effort after the devastating wildfires that ripped through Gatlinburg and Sevier County, Tennessee, in November 2016.
Parton’s Community Response
Rich described the scene: “Gatlinburg had basically burned to the ground, right in her backyard. She was distraught, but she didn’t hide behind her fame. She was a country girl standing beside her neighbors, trying to help.” The duo said they saw Parton put her celebrity status aside to focus on the immediate needs of the people she grew up with.
“Smoky Mountains Rise” Benefit Telethon
In response to the disaster, Parton organized a star‑studded telethon titled “Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund” on December 13, 2016. Nearly 20 artists performed, including Big & Rich. The broadcast raised more than $9 million, according to ABC News, which was directed to the My People Fund. The fund provided direct financial assistance to families who lost homes or suffered severe property damage.
Big & Rich’s Personal Reflections
Big Kenny, whose legal name is William Kenneth Alphin, recalled multiple encounters with the late music legend. “She’s a big‑hearted, super‑kind person,” he said. “It meant the world to her to be out there helping, and it meant the world to us to stand with her.” He added that social‑media reactions to Parton’s death showed that people of all political and religious backgrounds respected her generosity.
From Music to AI Advocacy
While reflecting on the 2016 relief effort, the duo also discussed their new protest single “Hello AI,” released August 28, 2026. The song addresses concerns that artificial‑intelligence‑generated music is being monetized without proper compensation to human creators. Rich emphasized that U.S. copyright law protects human authors, and that AI‑generated works cannot own copyrights. Both artists expressed support for AI’s potential while urging the need for “guardrails” to protect American songwriters.
Legacy of Compassion
Parton’s hands‑on approach to the wildfire crisis remains a touchstone for many in the country‑music community. Her willingness to step away from the spotlight and work directly with neighbors exemplifies the kind of faith‑rooted, family‑focused service that resonates with listeners across the nation.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
