NASHVILLE, TN — When Texas cries, Dolly sings.
In a powerful display of compassion and action, country music legend Dolly Parton has released a soul-stirring new song, “Rain for the Roses,” dedicated to the victims of the catastrophic floods sweeping through Texas—and she’s backing it with a staggering $2 million donation toward relief efforts.
A Song Born from Heartache
Released Thursday morning across YouTube and all major streaming platforms, “Rain for the Roses” immediately captured the hearts of listeners, trending within hours and drawing praise from fans and survivors alike. The emotional ballad—infused with Dolly’s signature storytelling and set to tender piano, gentle guitar, and a gospel-laced chorus—tells a story of loss, hope, and renewal.
“I wrote this song with tears in my eyes and Texas in my heart,” Dolly shared in a press release. “To every family who’s lost their home, their peace, or someone they love—I hope this brings even a moment of comfort. And I want to do more than sing. I want to help.”
The black-and-white music video features raw, emotional footage of flooded streets, rescue operations, and touching moments of resilience—children playing at shelters, volunteers passing out meals, and first responders embracing the people they’ve saved.
A State Underwater
Texas has been reeling from historic flooding after relentless rains and dam failures struck in late May and early June. Cities like Houston, San Marcos, and Wimberley have been especially hard hit, with rivers breaking records and entire neighborhoods submerged. As of this week, at least 92 lives have been lost, with dozens more still missing and thousands displaced. Damages have already topped $1.5 billion.
Emergency shelters remain overwhelmed, and rescue teams continue to battle high waters to reach isolated families.
Where the Help Is Going
Dolly’s $2 million donation is being funneled to frontline organizations including:
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Texas Disaster Response Network (TDRN)
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Feeding Texas
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Team Rubicon
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Rebuild Texas Fund
The funds will be used for essentials—food, water, emergency shelter, and long-term rebuilding materials. Additionally, Dolly has launched a donation-matching campaign through her website, promising to match every fan contribution—dollar for dollar—up to $500,000.
“It’s not just about handing over money,” Dolly said. “It’s about making sure people feel seen, heard, and supported when the world turns upside down.”
Dolly’s Legacy of Love
This isn’t Dolly’s first act of quiet heroism. In 2016, she raised over $12 million for victims of the Smoky Mountain wildfires. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her $1 million donation to Vanderbilt University helped fund research that played a pivotal role in the development of the Moderna vaccine.
Now, as Texas faces one of its darkest chapters, Dolly’s compassion once again lights the way.
