2 Billionaires Pledge $339M to Rebuild Notre Dame

"We will rebuild this cathedral," France's President Emmanuel Macron vowed Monday night after a fire devastated Notre Dame—and Salma Hayek's billionaire husband was one of the first to offer assistance. Francois-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of the Kering group, pledged 100 million euros—$113 million—toward the rebuilding effort, People reports. The group owns luxury brands including Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. Bernard Arnault, head of rival luxury-goods groups LVMH, later pledged 200 million euros, bringing the total up to the equivalent of $339 million, the AP reports.

The French charity Fondation de Patrimoine plans to launch an international fundraising appeal to reconstruct the Paris landmark, reports the BBC. Firefighters were able to save the building's two towers and its main structure, but the spire and roof collapsed before the fire was brought under control early Tuesday. (More Notre Dame Cathedral stories.)