Taylor Swift donates $500K for Nashville flood

The money will go directly to various flood relief organizations in the city rocked by deadly storms and flooding that killed 30 in three states, including 20 in Tennessee. The gift was announced by the show's host after Swift finished an interview from her tour stop in Des Moines, Iowa. Swift moved to Nashville when she was 14.

"Being at home during the storm, I honestly could not believe what was happening to the city and the people I love so dearly," Swift told The Associated Press in an e-mail. "Nashville is my home and the reason why I get to do what I love. I have always been proud to be a Nashvillian but especially now, seeing the love that runs through this city when there are people in crisis."

Cleanup and repair is expected to cost more than $1 billion. Thousands of homes were damaged, along with some of Music City's most important landmarks. Pleas to donate to relief organizations started early, and Nashville's musical talent – from local bands and clubs to the biggest stars – are giving their time and money to the effort.

Country music cable network GAC announced Thursday it will air a telethon on May 16 that will include Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Rodney Atkins and other stars live from the Ryman Auditorium.

Swift is currently on her "Fearless" tour, which stopped in Raleigh on Saturday.