Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have been a major focus of attention as the nation watches the flames from Smoky Mountain wildfires surround the popular resort towns.

But long before they were popular tourist destinations, they were the old stomping grounds of country music legend Dolly Parton, who grew up in nearby Sevierville, another town under the gun.

Like so many, Dolly has had to sit helplessly and hope for the best for her hometown.

She's currently in Los Angeles filming The Voice but did issue a statement about what she's been seeing and hearing about her beloved Smokies:

"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."

Here's a recent report from ABC News:

 

 

 

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