<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Reigning ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year, <strong><a title="Lainey Wilson" href="https://stubhub.prf.hn/click/camref:1100ljXyr/pubref:WPSLaineyW/ar:CMNBAutoLink/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stubhub.com%2Flainey-wilson-tickets%2F">Lainey Wilson</a></strong>, brought her warm energy and encouraging spirit to <strong>St. Jude Children&#8217;s Research Hospital</strong> in Memphis, Tenn. on Friday, Aug. 9 for a special visit. With a nearby <em>Country&#8217;s Cool Again Tour</em> stop in Southaven, Miss. 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.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://countrymusicnewsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/Lainey-Wilson-Visits-St.-Jude-Childrens-Research-Hospital.png" alt="Lainey Wilson Visits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital" class="wp-image-40964"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">P<!---->h<!---->o<!---->t<!---->o<!---->:<!----> <!---->A<!---->L<!---->S<!---->A<!---->C<!----> <!---->P<!---->h<!---->o<!---->t<!---->o<!---->g<!---->r<!---->a<!---->p<!---->h<!---->y</figcaption></figure>



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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">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&#8217;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. ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A long-time supporter of St. Jude and the Music Gives to St. Jude Kids program, the visit marked Wilson&#8217;s return to the St. Jude campus. Sixteen 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 &#8216;The Climb.&#8217; 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 &#8216;Hannah Montana, you&#8217;re my star.&#8217; But she said &#8216;Hannah Montana, I&#8217;m your star.&#8217; And I thought, &#8216;Yes you are, and I got to figure out how I can do this the rest of my life.&#8217; I had one of the most pivotal moments about knowing I&#8217;m supposed to do this, right here in this room. It&#8217;s kind of crazy, it&#8217;s full circle. That was 16 years ago.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Prior to Friday&#8217;s appearance, she has played numerous radio shows benefiting St. Jude, supported St. Jude radio events and participated in numerous This Shirt Saves Lives campaigns.</p>