Kelsea Ballerini Launches Musicians On Call Program at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital in Hometown of Knoxville

Kelsea Ballerini was on hand to help celebrate the launch of the first Musicians On Call (MOC) Program at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital in her hometown of Knoxville, TN.

The new initiative, which was made possible through Ballerini’s Feel Your Way Through Charitable Fund, will bring Musicians On Call volunteers to patients’ bedsides, giving children and their families, hospital staff and caregivers the chance to experience live music during the hospital stays.

Ballerini helped kickoff the start of the program by joining Musicians On Call President and CEO Pete Griffin and Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital’s Chief Development and Public Affairs Officer Adam Cook for a special live performance. Her set featured several of her hits, including “I Would, Would You,” “Dibs” and “If You Go Down (I’m Going Down Too),” along with a singalong of “Lean On Me.”

The children who were unable to attend the performance got a personal visit from the country star who brought the music directly to their rooms.

After being a part of Musicians on Call for the past 11 years, the six-time GRAMMY-nominated act has grown to understand just how important these programs are. She has volunteered at patients’ bedsides in Nashville and Phoenix and virtually during the pandemic.

In honor of Ballerini’s dedication to the program, MOC recognized her with the Music Heals Golden Ukulele in 2024. She notes that it is a “dream come true” to plat a small part in bringing that magic to her hometown area.

“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.

Griffin praised Ballerini’s continued dedication to the mission, noting how her presence and performances bring joy to hospital rooms. He also expressed gratitude for her support in helping the organization establish its first program in Knoxville.

“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.”

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The program will become an ongoing part of the unique patient experience at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital. Through its bedside visits, Musicians On Call connects volunteer musicians with patients, offering moments of comfort and connection during challenging hospital stays. 

“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,” adds 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 nation’s leading provider of live music in hospitals has reached more than 1.25 million people in healthcare facilities across all 50 states through its bedside, virtual, songwriting and streaming programs over the past 25 years.

Musicians On Call is now welcoming musicians and music lovers who want to get involved in the new Knoxville program. They are searching for local, professional volunteers to perform for patients as well as guides to act as “eyes and ears” by helping coordinate visits and connect musicians with hospital staff and families. Those interested can learn more at Musicians On Call.