Alan Jackson Sings For A Cure

Alan Jackson performed a sold out show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium this week.  What made it even better was that 100% of the money went to a local charity: The Colon Cancer Alliance.  Of course Jackson had a special connection to the charity.  His wife Denise was diagnosed with the disease three years ago.  Before the show, Alan and Denise met with the media to talk about that night’s special show.

“We just went through cancer with Denise a few years ago.  So this was something we both felt strongly about.  She asked me to sing for this show, and it’s the easiest thing I can do is walk out and sing, and it’s nice to have your music do more than entertain, but use your music to help a cause like this, especially since my wife had to deal with it.”

We asked Denise about her own cancer situation: “I’m so happy to tell you all I’m cancer free, since I finished my treatments two years ago last month, every single scan has been clear, fortunately mine was diagnosed early, my doctor says it’s a 90% cure rate, so I was blessed it was caught early.”

A few years ago, Denise wrote a book called “Because Of Him.”  She was asked if she was planning to do another book, perhaps based on her battle with cancer: “That book was spirit-led, but I feel like there could be another book in the works because of my health.  Ever since I survived cancer, others who are going through it are drawn to me.  I think people are yearning for hope from other survivors.  So I think there are people who would love to have encouragement, so who knows, maybe so!”

Among the songs in the show was an emotional solo performance of a song Alan wrote called “When I Saw You Leaving,” inspired by Denise’s bout with cancer.  He told the audience it’s a song he normally doesn’t perform, because it’s difficult for him to do.  But he got through it with only a couple of pauses, and received a standing ovation. 

The Colon Cancer Alliance is an organization started by GAC host Nan Kelley when her husband Charlie went through cancer.  Nan and Charlie received a check for $120,000 that will help area families with financial assistance.

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Category: NEWS