Amid the wildfires ravaging Southern California, Bette Midler showcased the resilience of a family who lost everything.
On Friday, the two-time Oscar nominee shared a video of the Halpin family singing “Hallelujah” over the burned remains of their Altadena home, which was destroyed this week in the Eaton Fire.
“I am so happy to be able to offer some comfort to those who have lost so much! Thank you, @bettemidler,” Karolyn Dudro, a displaced resident, wrote, sharing the video on her Instagram Story.
Dudro had already mourned the loss of their family home. “It was quite a morning for my parents and family. I’m grateful that everyone is safe and that I can be there for my parents, my sister and my niece during this difficult time,” she wrote on Instagram. “I grew up here and many others have called this place home at one time or another. My parents had many get-togethers filled with laughter, love, and music. There are so many people in Altadena who have lost everything and they are in my thoughts and prayers.
Midler’s post comes after she shared a statement of support for wildfire victims. “To all those who have experienced the apocalyptic and incredible fires of recent days, who have lost everything and who now have the enormous task of getting back on their feet; I am devastated and heartbroken for all of us.
“I wish the best for our beloved city, now and always…” Midler added.
Fires broke out in the Pacific Palisades, Eaton Canyon, Malibu, Hollywood Hills and other areas around Los Angeles County amid a “potentially deadly and destructive” windstorm that broke out Tuesday.
At least 11 people died Saturday in the Southern California wildfires, which burned 14,117 acres in the Eaton Canyon area, destroying 972 structures, many of them homes. During that time, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department received 13 missing person reports.
President Joe Biden, who extended his trip to Los Angeles on Wednesday to visit first responders and those affected, said the fires were a major disaster.
“More than 100,000 people have been ordered to evacuate communities affected by the Southern California wildfires,” Biden wrote on X. “At least two people have been killed. And many others are injured, including firefighters. It’s devastating. To the people of Southern California: we are with you.
