Lainey Wilson visits St. Jude Hospital press photo
Photo credit Erick Frost

Lainey Wilson Brings Joy to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with a Special Visit

Reigning ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year, Lainey Wilson (@laineywilson), brought her warm energy and encouraging spirit to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee on Friday, Aug. 9th for a special visit. With a nearby Country’s Cool Again Tour stop in Southaven, Mississippi on Friday night, Wilson dedicated the time in her busy schedule to spend the day on the campus of St. Jude, performing for and meeting the patients.

Wilson performed a set packed full of her hit songs for more than 150 attendees, made up of St. Jude patients and their families. She opened the special performance with her No. 1 song “Heart Like A Truck” as the audience joined in to sing along with Wilson. Taking song requests from the crowd, Wilson’s welcoming stage presence encouraged patients to gather at the front, turning the concert into a dance party. Following the performance, Wilson took the time to do a meet and greet with attendees, gifting each patient with a custom cowboy hat.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Lainey Wilson visits St Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Lainey Wilson visits St Jude Children’s Research Hospital on Friday, August 9, 2024. Photo credit: ALSAC Photography

A long-time supporter of St. Jude and the Music Gives to St. Jude Kids program, the visit marked Wilson’s return to the St. Jude campus. 16 years ago, Wilson was making her living as a Hannah Montana impersonator, performing around the country at parties, festivals, and more. Her final performance as Hannah Montana was at St. Jude when a patient recovering from brain surgery came to the front during “The Climb.”

Wilson described the moment at her recent visit, saying, “She knew every single word to “The Climb.” There was not a dry eye in the house. I handed her the microphone, and she sang every single word. She handed me the microphone back, and she meant to say, “Hannah Montana, you’re my star.” But she said, “Hannah Montana, I’m your star.” And I thought, “Yes you are, and I got to figure out how I can do this for the rest of my life.” I had one of the most pivotal moments about knowing I’m supposed to do this, right here in this room. It’s kind of crazy, it’s full circle. That was 16 years ago.”

Before Friday’s appearance, she had played numerous radio shows benefiting St. Jude, supported St. Jude radio events, and participated in numerous This Shirt Saves Lives campaigns.

Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson visits St Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Lainey Wilson visits St Jude Children’s Research Hospital on Friday, August 9, 2024. Photo credit: ALSAC Photography

As the reigning CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year, self-professed storyteller Wilson has captured the hearts of country music fans, the excitement of the industry, and the recognition of her peers while keeping her boots firmly planted on the ground. The prolific, sought-after songwriter has already scored seven No. 1 hits including “Watermelon Moonshine,” and 2x PLATINUM Certified “Heart Like A Truck” as well as award-winning collaborations with Cole Swindell, Jelly Roll, and HARDY.

Lainey Wilson visits St Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Lainey Wilson visits St Jude Children’s Research Hospital on Friday, August 9, 2024. Photo credit: ALSAC Photography

After winning a GRAMMY Award for Best Country Album for her debut Bell Bottom Country, Wilson is set to release her second album, WHIRLWIND, on August 23rd. WHIRLWIND is a daringly honest look into the singer’s life and journey around the globe, and features songs “Hang Tight Honey” and “4x4xu” the former already top 20 the country charts!

Lainey Wilson visits St Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Lainey Wilson visits St Jude Children’s Research Hospital on Friday, August 9, 2024. Photo credit: ALSAC Photography

Wilson has become a triple threat within entertainment as a singer, songwriter, and actress. She made her acting debut in Paramount’s hit series Yellowstone, was inducted this year into the Grand Ole Opry by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, and most recently wrote “Out of Oklahoma,” her original song for Universal’s blockbuster film, Twisters. Buy tickets at Ticketmaster.com to see Lainey Wilson perform LIVE.

Lainey Wilson – “Whirlwind” album

Lainey Wilson – “Whirlwind” album cover art

We recommend adding songs from Lainey Wilson’s “Whirlwind” album to your favorite contemporary country playlist. We would love to hear your thoughts! Please comment below and let us know how this album made you feel. Remember, your feedback helps us bring you more of the music you love. As always, thanks for reading another great article on Bong Mines Entertainment. We’re your go-to source for new music and positive entertainment news. Remember, (P)ositive (E)nergy (A)lways (C)reates (E)levation—P.E.A.C.E.

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