Made possible through Ballerini’s generous support, the program will bring live music to hospitalized children and their families for years to come
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (October 20, 2026) — Six-time GRAMMY-nominated and multiple CMA and ACM Award-winning singer-songwriter, producer and author Kelsea Ballerini returned to her hometown today to launch the Kelsea Ballerini Musicians On Call Program at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, alongside Musicians On Call (MOC) and hospital leadership. The launch marks MOC’s first program in the Knoxville area.
Made possible by Ballerini’s generous support through her Feel Your Way Through Charitable Fund, the program will bring MOC volunteers directly to patients’ bedsides, offering live music and moments of connection to children receiving care, their families, caregivers, and hospital staff.
Ballerini celebrated the launch alongside Pete Griffin, President & CEO of Musicians On Call, and Adam Cook, Chief Development & Public Affairs Officer of Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, with a special performance for hospital patients and staff. Her set included her hits “I Would, Would You,” “Dibs,” and “If You Go Down (I’m Going Down Too)”, plus feelgood singalong “Lean On Me.” She also visited patients who were unable to attend the event, sharing music and personal moments of connection at their bedsides.
“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,” said Ballerini. “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.”
Ballerini’s involvement with Musicians On Call spans more than a decade. She has volunteered at patients’ bedsides in Nashville and Phoenix and virtually during the pandemic. In 2024, MOC recognized her dedication to its mission with the Music Heals Golden Ukulele. The new program builds on that longstanding relationship, extending her impact to patients and families in East Tennessee.
“Kelsea has been working with Musicians On Call for more than a decade, and she is absolutely magical every time she sets foot in a hospital room. She instantly lights up the room, and brings so much joy with both her music and energy,” said Griffin. “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.”
Through its signature bedside programs, Musicians On Call brings Volunteer Guides and Musicians into healthcare environments to perform directly for patients. These intimate musical experiences can provide comfort, connection and respite during challenging hospital stays. At Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, the program will become a continuing part of the patient experience.
“We are incredibly grateful to Musicians On Call for bringing the healing power of music to our patients and families at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital,” said Cook. “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.”
The launch expands Musicians On Call’s nationwide mission of delivering the healing power of music in healthcare environments, bringing its bedside programming to the Knoxville community for the first time. For over 25 years, Musicians On Call has used music to promote and complement the healing process through bedside, virtual, songwriting and streaming programs that are available across all 50 states. As the nation’s leading provider of live music in hospitals, MOC volunteers have created moments of comfort and togetherness for more than 1.25 million people in healthcare facilities nationwide.
Musicians On Call is looking for musicians and music lovers to help share the joys of live music in Knoxville as MOC Volunteers. Volunteer Musicians are local, professional-caliber musicians who perform hopeful songs during the bedside programs. Volunteer Guides act as the “eyes and ears” of MOC, leading the musician through the experience of playing for patients and liaising between families and staff, both at the bedside and virtually. Anyone who is interested in volunteering can learn more at https://www.musiciansoncall.org/get-involved/.
About Musicians On Call (MOC)
Musicians On Call (MOC) delivers live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients, families and caregivers in healthcare environments, creating moments of human connection when it’s needed most. For more than 25 years, MOC has shared the healing power of music with over 1.25 million people across all 50 states through bedside, virtual, songwriting and streaming programs, making the organization the leading provider of live music in hospitals. MOC volunteers perform for adult and pediatric patients, Veterans, and individuals receiving care in hospice, oncology, behavioral health and memory care facilities. A single song can ease fear, isolation and pain, offering comfort, easing stress, and reminding patients and caregivers they are not alone. As demand for this mission grows, Musicians On Call continues to expand its programs nationwide. MOC’s network includes Volunteer Guides, Volunteer Musicians, and renowned artist supporters. For more information on how Musicians On Call delivers connection and comfort through the healing power of music, visit www.musiciansoncall.org.
ABOUT KELSEA BALLERINI
6X GRAMMY-nominated and multiple CMA and ACM Award-winning Kelsea Ballerini has logged five back-to-back Top 10 entries on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. With seven #1 singles and 40 RIAA gold and platinum certifications, her catalog boasts a string of essential smashes. Ballerini was also inducted as a member of the famed Grand Ole Opry in 2019. At the time, she notably became the Opry’s youngest member in its nearly 100-year history since being founded in 1925. Following the release of her acclaimed Rolling Up the Welcome Mat in 2023, Kelsea made her Saturday Night Live debut and graced the cover of TIME Magazine’s 2023 TIME100 Next Issue. Kelsea’s critically acclaimed, GRAMMY-nominated studio album PATTERNS debuted in the fall of 2024 and earned her the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Country Albums Chart and #4 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums. After a stint as Coach on NBC’s The Voice, she recently wrapped her 35-date KELSEA BALLERINI LIVE ON TOUR, packing arenas across the country. In 2025, Ballerini earned nominations for ACM “Entertainer of the Year” and CMA “Female Vocalist of the Year.” Her latest EP, Mount Pleasant, is out now.
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