North Carolina native Eric Church releases rights to 'Darkest Hour' for Helene victims

Country music star Eric Church has released a song to benefit victims of Hurricane Helene.

The North Carolina native announced Friday his song "Darkest Hour," which was set to drop next year, is now dedicated to those who were affected by the natural disaster that and uprooted a countless number of homes.

Church said he's "giving this song to North Carolina." More specifically, he's releasing the rights to the song and "signing the publishing away" so that all proceeds will go straight to those recovering from one of the deadliest storms to pummel the U.S.

"We've been helping with boots on the ground efforts, but this is something that will live beyond just the immediate recovery," the Chief wrote on .

Helene came ashore Sept. 26 as a Category 4 hurricane and carved a wide swath of destruction as it moved northward from Florida, washing away homes, destroying roads and knocking out electricity and cellphone service for millions. The number of deaths stood at 225 on Friday; two more were recorded in South Carolina the following day. It was still unclear how many people were unaccounted for or missing, and the toll could rise even higher, The Associated Press reports.

"There are places that are just Biblically gone," Church said in an Instagram video.

About half the victims were in North Carolina, while dozens more were killed in Georgia and South Carolina. The city of Asheville, in the western mountains of North Carolina, was particularly battered.

Later this month, Church, Luke Combs, Billy Strings, and James Taylor will headline "Concert for Carolina" in a fundraising effort to benefit those affected. Tickets go on sale Thursday, Oct. 10 .

Church is also encouraging fans to visit to donate directly.