Kelsea Ballerini Brings MOC to Knoxville with New Program at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital

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. 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. Kelsea Ballerini

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.