When country music icon Dolly Parton heard the news, she reportedly dropped everything. Her 27-year-old nephew, firefighter Caleb Parton, has gone missing while battling the massive Gifford Fire in California’s Central Coast — a blaze now classified as a “mega fire,” consuming more than 119,000 acres and threatening thousands of homes.

Caleb, a seasonal firefighter stationed in the Garcia Wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest, was last seen with his crew before a sudden wind shift forced an emergency evacuation. While most of his team escaped, Caleb did not make it back to the rendezvous point.

Sources close to the Parton family say Dolly was in Nashville recording when she received the call. “She just froze,” said a family friend. “Caleb is like a son to her. She helped raise him when his father passed away.”

From Stage Lights to Fire Lines
Within 24 hours, Dolly flew to California on a private jet, not for a concert, but to stand with Caleb’s mother — Dolly’s younger sister — at the fire command center. Witnesses say she arrived in jeans, a denim jacket, and no makeup, quietly greeting fire officials before asking to be briefed on the search.

“It wasn’t the Dolly you see on stage,” said a firefighter on site. “She was serious, focused, and clearly hurting. But she also kept telling us, ‘Don’t you dare give up on my boy.’”

A Voice for the Missing
The country star’s presence has drawn nationwide attention to the plight of missing first responders in wildfire zones. Dolly has pledged to cover any and all expenses related to Caleb’s search, including extra helicopter hours, specialized thermal drones, and additional ground crews.

In an emotional statement, Dolly said:

“These brave men and women run toward danger when everyone else runs away. Caleb’s out there somewhere, and we’re going to bring him home. I owe that to him, to my family, and to every firefighter’s family.”

Rallying the Nation
Dolly also announced a $2 million donation to support injured firefighters and the families of those who have lost their lives in the Gifford Fire. Part of the funds will go toward funeral costs, counseling services, and rebuilding efforts for those who lost their homes.

“She came here as an aunt, but she’s also here as a leader,” said Cal Fire spokesperson Andrea Lopez. “Her support means resources we didn’t have before — and hope for Caleb’s family.”

Hope in the Ashes
Search teams continue to comb through treacherous canyons and dense chaparral. Dolly remains on site, often seen bringing water and snacks to exhausted crews, hugging family members, and even singing softly to calm children at the evacuation shelter.

“She told me, ‘Honey, I’ve sung on a thousand stages, but none of that matters if I can’t help my family and my community,’” recalled one volunteer.

As the fire rages on, Dolly’s determination burns just as fiercely. Whether Caleb is found today, tomorrow, or in the days to come, the world now sees a different side of the country legend — not just a voice of music, but a voice for courage, family, and unwavering love.

If you want, I can now write a 70-word emotional intro for this Dolly Parton story that hooks readers instantly, similar to what we did for Paul McCartney.
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