Taylor Swift donates to US wildfire fund

Artists and organisations in Music City are stepping up to help their neighbours after devastating wildfires damaged about 2500 buildings and caused 14 deaths in the Gatlinburg area.

Country star Kenny Chesney and the Country Music Association announced on Friday they are collectively donating $US500,000 ($A671,100) to the Dolly Parton Foundation My People Fund, which was created to provide $US1000 each month to families whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the wildfires.

Also, the Academy of Country Music announced that pop star Taylor Swift has joined the country music organisation to collectively donate $US200,000 to the My People Fund.

Parton is holding a telethon on December 13 to raise more money for the fund.