Kelsea Ballerini ProfileKelsea Ballerini continues her advocacy for Musicians on Call, launching the program for the first time at the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital in her hometown of Knoxville, TN.
For over a decade, Ballerini has volunteered with the Musicians on Call program, singing at patients’ bedsides at hospitals in Nashville, Phoenix, and virtually when there were gathering restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
By bringing the program to the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital in Knoxville, made possible through Ballerini’s Feel Your Way Through Charitable Fund, the singer and Musicians on Call volunteers will continue their good work performing for children, families, and hospital staff.
MusicRow reports that Ballerini celebrated the launch with Musicians on Call CEO Pete Griffin and Adam Cook, Chief Development and Public Affairs Officer of Dolly Parton’s Children’s Hospital, this week.
While at the Knoxville hospital, Ballerini performed songs like Dibs, If You Go Down (I’m Going Down Too), and I Would, Would You. She also led a sing-along of Lean on Me.
Speaking on the impact of bringing Musicians on Call to her hometown, Ballerini commented in a statement, “Music is one of those things that just meets you where you are. Whatever you need, whether it’s to smile, dance, celebrate, grieve, or feel less alone, it’s going to be there for you.
“I’ve gotten to do this with Musicians on Call for 11 years, and I know how important and magical these programs are. To be able to bring that here is truly a dream come true.”
Griffin praised Ballerini’s longtime volunteer work with Musicians on Call, describing her hospital-room performances as “absolutely magical.”
Adding that Ballerini “instantly lights up the room and brings so much joy” with her music and energy, Griffin continued, “Her generosity is now making it possible for us to bring that experience to patients and families in her hometown.
“We’re so grateful for her commitment and excited to establish our first program in Knoxville, where these special moments will continue long after today’s celebration.”
Cook thanked Musicians on Call for “bringing the healing power of music to our patients and families at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital,” per Country Now.
He added, “A special thank you to Kelsea Ballerini for sharing her time and talent to create meaningful moments of joy during some of life’s most challenging times. Partners like these help us care for the whole child by bringing comfort, joy and healing beyond medical treatment.”
Last November, Kelsea Ballerini released her third EP, Mount Pleasant. The collection followed her 2024 album Patterns, which became her first to debut at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.
Ballerini made her long-awaited return to Australia last December, performing at arena venues across the East Coast. Check out Countrytown’s review of her Sydney show here.
