Kenny Chesney Sends “Thoughts and Prayers” to Those Affected by Tennessee Wildfires; Calls Attention to Dolly Parton’s My People Fund [Watch]

East Tennessee native Kenny Chesney posted a video message on his social media accounts today (Dec. 5) to bring attention to the fundraising efforts of Dolly Parton’s My People Fund, which was established to assist those affected by the wildfires in the Great Smoky Mountains. On Nov. 28, an estimated 1,684 structures were damage or destroyed by wildfires; 134 people sustained injuries; and 14 people are now confirmed dead.

“Hey everybody, this is Kenny Chesney,” said Kenny in the video. “I just want to say to everybody in East Tennessee and to everybody back where I come from in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, that I am thinking about you. I am loving you really hard right now. East Tennessee is my heart and my soul and how I grew up. And I realize now that everybody over there is hurting and I want you to know that you’re in my thoughts and my prayers. And along with a lot of other people’s help, we’re going to do everything we can to try to make this better. I love you guys.”

Dolly’s My People Fund was established last week to provide $1,000 each month for up to six months to Sevier County families who lost their homes in the wildfires. Anyone can donate to the My People Fund online or by mail. 100 percent of the donations will go directly to the families affected by the wildfires.

Watch Kenny’s message below.