Taylor Swift just made a major donation toward relief efforts for Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The pop star donated $5 million to Feeding America, a national food bank organization, amid the destructive and deadly storms across the southeastern United States.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Taylor Swift for her generous $5 million donation to Hurricanes Helene and Milton relief efforts,” the charity’s CEO, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, said in a statement posted to Instagram Wednesday. “This contribution will help communities rebuild and recover, providing essential food, clean water, and supplies to people affected by these devastating storms. Together, we can make a real impact in supporting families as they navigate the challenges ahead.”
Babineaux-Fontenot added: “Thank you, Taylor, for standing with us in the movement to end hunger and for helping communities in need.”
The Pennsylvania native, 34, has made headlines for her charitable efforts, including significant contributions to a Tennessee tornado relief fund and a Kansas City food bank.
Costs from Helene’s path of destruction across the southeastern U.S. are expected to surpass $30 billion, according to analysis from financial and consumer analytics company CoreLogic. Last week, the USA TODAY Network analysis of Helene deaths increased to 228.
Meanwhile, Milton made landfall late Wednesday on Florida’s western coast as a Category 3 hurricane with 120 mph sustained winds amid a flurry of tornadoes it spawned. The system was exiting the state early Thursday near Cape Canaveral, still at Category 1 hurricane strength driving winds of 85 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in its 5 a.m. update.
At least two deaths were reported at a retirement community following a suspected tornado in Fort Pierce on the state’s east coast, NBC News reported, citing St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson. More than 3.2 million homes and businesses were dark by early Thursday
Taylor Swift surpasses fellow pop star to become richest female musician
It’s like a billion little stars are spelling out her name. Taylor Swift is now the richest female musician with an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion.
According to Forbes magazine, the “Untouchable” singer has passed Rihanna (worth $1.4 billion). Swift’s unstoppable Eras Tour (worth an estimated $600 million in royalties and touring), music catalog (worth north of $600 million) and real estate (worth an estimated $125 million) are part of the reason.
Last year, the bejeweled businesswoman became the first-ever billionaire solely on songwriting and performing.
Her financial portfolio was only bolstered in the past year as Swift brought her three-hour show to 21 cities across Asia, Australia and Europe. Every stop got an economic boost. Swift’s four night in Tokyo pumped an estimated $228 million into the country. In Sydney, Australia, Swift made an estimated $43.3 in merchandise alone. Nearby countries upset the singer had an exclusive contract with Singapore complained they didn’t receive the Eras Tour’s golden touch.
Taylor Swift is ending Eras Tour:What she said about the record-breaking show.
Swift has 18 shows left on her two-year magnum opus. The show returns to Miami on Oct. 18 and officially ends on Dec. 8 in Vancouver, Canada.
Forbes magazine ranked the 34-year-old fifth when it comes to Power Women (behind Ursula von der Leyen, Christine Lagarde, Kamala Harris and Giorgia Meloni). Swift tied with Spanx founder Sara Blakely for 24th on America’s Self-Made Women. She took 25th on the Highest-Paid Entertainers list (No.1 is “Lord of the Rings” director Peter Jackson).
Overall, she ranks 2,545th on the billionaires list.
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