NASHVILLE, Tenn. –As many of the artists – from Garth Brooks to Reba McEntire and Keith Urban– put it Monday night, September 13, atLoretta Lynn’s Friends: Hometown Rising,  “when Loretta calls, you can't say no.” And the country music community showed up. With the call for donations still underway via text-to-donate (text TNFLOODRELIEF to 44321), and everything from auction items to longstanding partners like MX Sports and the Academy of Country Music, who had recently honored Lynn with their prestigious Poet’s Award, it took a few days for the excitement to settle and the efforts Loretta Lynn led to be tallied, but it was worth the wait.

Lynn’s rallying call resulted in nearly $1 million raised for Humphreys County following the August 21, 2021 disaster that killed 20 during severe storms and extreme flash floods and left more than 500 homes affected by floodwaters, including 272that were totally destroyed. The $933,000 and counting in donations and concert proceeds will directly benefit the residents of Waverly and surrounding areas, as well as local small business. 

As previously shared (release HERE), BRELAND, Brooks with Trisha Yearwood, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Chris Janson, Little Big Town, McEntire, Brittney Spencer and Urban held a two-hour benefit concert and donation drive on Monday night at the Grand Ole Opry House with hosts Storme Warren and Nada leading the in-house sold-out crowd and broadcast/livestream audience through a heartfelt evening of powerful messages, performances and a few Opry stage debuts (BRELAND and surprise special guest Nicole Kidman).  

In addition to the artists on stage at the Grand Ole Opry House, the program also featured recorded appearances from several other Country stars, as Tracy Lawrence, Carly Pearce, Thomas Rhett, Kid Rock, Darius Rucker and Carrie Underwood called on fans to support the important recovery work being done by United Way of Humphreys County. Several major donations were also announced during the evening, with City National Bank and Lawrence’s “Mission: Possible” charity both contributing and the Academy of Country Music matching $25,000 of fan donations in honor of Lynn being named one of this year’s ACM Poet’s Award recipients at the recent ACM Honors.

“And we’re so thankful for our good friends of more than 40 years, MX Sports, who’ve held motocross events at the Ranch and came to our aid through their Racers 4 Waverly Fund,” Lynn adds. “I’m simply overwhelmed by how everyone rallied behind this small town by showing so much love.” 

“With the funds raised this week, the United Way of Humphreys County will be able to release more checks to not only individuals but also small businesses that have been displaced since August 21,” shares Nioka Curtis with United Way. “As soon as I had said a little prayer that we’d be able to help small businesses in addition to families, within this last week that prayer has been answered.” 

In an effort to continue fundraising throughout the coming weeks, Lynn has also partnered with Kendra Scott to garner additional support for the cause, with the jewelry company donating 50% of proceeds from the sale of their Tennessee Guitar charm throughout the month of September to United Way of Humphreys County. The charm is available for purchase at KendraScott.com or in retail locations.

Only a few commemorative show posters remain from the evening, available for purchase HERE with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the cause.

To donate to the ongoing recovery efforts, please click here or text TNFLOODRELIEF to 44321. For more information, visit UnitedWayHumphreys.org.

Loretta Lynn’s Friends: Hometown Rising Set List:
Luke Combs: “Forever After All,” “Beer Never Broke My Heart”
Little Big Town: “Wine, Beer, Whiskey,” “Boondocks”
Reba McEntire: “I’m A Survivor,” “Fancy”
Luke Bryan: “Most People Are Good,” “Drink A Beer”
Chris Janson: “Good Vibes”
Brittney Spencer: “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man),” “Compassion”
BRELAND: “Cross Country”
Keith Urban: “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” “Wasted Time”
BRELAND & Keith Urban: “Lean On Me”
Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood: “After The Fire Is Gone,” “Golden Ring,” “Whiskey to Wine,” “She’s In Love With The Boy,” “Friends In Low Places”

About United Way of Humphreys County
United Way of Humphreys County (UWHC) is a nonprofit organization based in Waverly, Tenn. UWHC provides funding opportunities for programs and agencies that are meeting a critical need in Humphreys County. These needs fall within focus areas – education, health, financial stability and rebuilding lives. Along with providing funding to partner agencies, UWHC also have several programs and initiatives of their own. Their goal is to make the biggest impact possible in their community by following a simple principle: “Together we can all make it.” For current events, volunteer opportunities and more information about UWHC, follow them on Facebook or visit unitedwayhumphries.org.

Artist Press Images Available for Download HERE

Hometown Rising used with permission from Danny Wimmer Presents.