Taylor Swift contributed $1 million to aid communities in Tennessee impacted by the destructive tornadoes that struck on December 9.
Saturday night, numerous thunderstorms and tornadoes struck regions of northern Tennessee, destroying multiple structures and injuring over fifty people, according to CNN. Swift, whose professional journey commenced in Hendersonville, Tennessee, reacted by donating $1 million to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, according to confirmation provided to Variety by the organization. The news was first reported by USA Today.
In a statement, Hal Cato, CEO of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, said, “The Swifts established their initial residence in Hendersonville and Sumner County, Tennessee, and continue to be profoundly dedicated to its ongoing welfare.” “Her extraordinarily generous donation demonstrates to Taylor and the surrounding communities that she has their backs as they navigate the arduous road to recovery in the wake of this tragic event.”
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee will provide residents with financial aid, food, temporary housing, debris removal, and animal sheltering as a result of Swift’s contribution.
Peak winds of 125 mph caused disruptions in portions of Hendersonville and the Nashville suburb of Madison, as reported by the National Weather Service. Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts told CNN that shelters, food trucks, and mobile shower units have been prepared for residents in need and that crews began clearing communities on December 11.
Swift contributed a substantial amount to the Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund in 2020, a period marked by another tornado disaster in the state. Swift also donated to food pantries throughout the United States earlier this year while touring for her record-breaking “Eras Tour,” which, according to Pollstar, generated an estimated $1.04 billion in gross ticket sales.
The 33-year-old described being named Time’s Person of the Year in the previous week as the “breakthrough moment” of her career, following the “Eras Tour” and its corresponding, critically acclaimed concert film, which grossed $250 million worldwide.
Swift told Time, “I’ve been raised and lowered the flagpole of public opinion so many times in the last two decades.” “After receiving a tiara, it was subsequently taken from me.” It feels like the pivotal moment in my professional journey, transpiring at the age of 33. And I was, for the very first time in my life, mentally resilient enough to face the consequences that followed.”
