Morgan Wallen Donates $500,000 to Red Cross to Support Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
Before launching into his nostalgic track “‘98 Braves,” Morgan Wallen took a moment to reflect on his rebellious high school days—confessing he almost got kicked off the baseball team for being too rowdy. Some things, he admitted, haven’t changed much.
But one thing that’s clear: Morgan Wallen’s heart remains with his roots.
The country music star has donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross through his Morgan Wallen Foundation to aid those affected by the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The funds will go toward relief efforts across the hardest-hit regions, including his home state of Tennessee.
“We can’t thank Morgan Wallen enough for his heart and generous $500,000 donation to impact help on the ground now in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene, including his beloved East Tennessee,” shared Trevor Riggin, Red Cross’ National President for Humanitarian Services.
Wallen, a graduate of Gibbs High School in Knox County, has never forgotten where he came from. Earlier this year, he donated $140,000 to renovate Ruritan Park for the Gibbs Youth Sports program. And now, as East Tennessee faces one of its most challenging moments, he’s stepping up again.
Though he now calls Nashville home, Wallen posted to Instagram over the weekend with an update: his family is safe, but he acknowledged the heartbreak many others are facing.
“My family in East Tennessee are safe, but I know many are absolutely devastated there and in multiple states,” he wrote. “All my prayers are geared towards those tonight. Those hills and hollers are very important to me in so many ways. It’s going to take a monumental effort, and I’m working with my team and others on how I can help.”
Wallen’s foundation, launched in 2021, aims to give back to kids through music and sports—the very things that shaped him. But its mission also extends to disaster relief and community support when it’s needed most.
The foundation is fueled by fan support, with $3 from every concert ticket sold going directly into the cause. Most of its funding, however, comes straight from Wallen himself.
As communities across six states — from Florida’s Gulf Coast to the Appalachian region of Virginia — continue to battle severe flooding, property loss, and over 100 fatalities, Wallen’s donation comes at a time when help is desperately needed.
“I’m in contact with my team and others,” he said. “We’re doing everything we can.”
For those who’ve followed Wallen’s journey from East Tennessee ball fields to arena stages, it’s a powerful reminder: no matter how far he’s come, he’s still showing up for the place that made him.