Veterans hospitalized at Nashville V.A. Medical Center just received the healing gift of music from none other than country legend, sitcom star, and “The Voice” coach Reba McEntire.
Ahead of Musicians On Call’s first-ever “Music Heals Live!” ceremony on May 20, 2026, McEntire visited with and sang for patients in their rooms, accompanied by her friend and fellow country icon Terri Clark. In photos and a video published by People, patients were clearly shocked and touched by the surprise visit, with one man tearfully sharing it felt like a “miracle” seeing them by his bedside.
Terri Clark Says ‘It Was Unbelievable’ to See Patients’ Reactions When Reba McEntire Walked Into Their Hospital Rooms
McEntire, 71, coordinated her surprise visit with the non-profit Musicians On Call, which “brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients, families and caregivers in healthcare environments,” per the organization’s website.
In a statement, McEntire said, “Having the opportunity to visit the VA Hospital here in Nashville, room to room, with Terri Clark and Musicians On Call was an emotional moment for me. Music is so healing and getting to witness that firsthand was a gift to me.”
The “Happy’s Place” star wasn’t the only one who got teary-eyed. In a video published by People, an older gentleman was seen wiping tears from his eyes in his hospital bed as he said, “I’m a little emotional. I don’t know why. It was like a miracle.”
He marveled that he got to tell McEntire “that she was my favorite female singer, and she is.” McEntire, meanwhile, said it was “impossible to pick one favorite moment out of all the great things that Terri Clark and I got to do today.”
“We got to meet people who have been serving our country,” she continued, “and we got to tell them thank you for all their service and the things they did for us.”
Clark, who accompanied McEntire with her acoustic guitar, said it was her third time making such a visit. She said, “It’s great doing it by myself but to see people’s faces when they see Reba walking through the door? All of them — it’s just been unbelievable.”
Reba McEntire Will Be Honored for Her Ongoing Support of Musicians On Call
GettyMcEntire and Clark also connected with patients in other facilities virtually, according to People, beaming their music to patients at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital in Knoxville, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and TriStar Centennial Children’s Hospital in Nashville.
In a statement to the outlet, Musicians On Call COO Katy Epley said the visits “brought so much harmony and healing” to patients, adding, “Walking around the hospital with Reba McEntire was like walking around with… well, there really just isn’t anything to compare it to. Everything about Reba exudes warmth and joy, and there was a comfort about her presence in those hospital rooms.they brought so much harmony and healing that day.”
At the “Music Heals Live!” event on May 20, McEntire will receive the Music Heals Golden Ukulele for being a “dedicated supporter of Musicians On Call.” The organization’s website says, “McEntire has lent her time and talent to fundraising campaigns and virtual programs that have brought joy to deserving patients and healthcare teams.”
The night in Nashville is expected to include performances from friends and fellow music icons Vince Gill, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood, with appearances by Martina McBride and Charles Esten.
