The Big Country Cancer Battle
Country Celebrities weigh in on battle with the big C
Last updated 7th Sep 2017
Brad Paisley, one of the best known names in modern country, will once again take to the stage in Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry next month for an entirely different reason than his usual three song spot.
This year Brad is a champion for the charity ‘Band Against Cancer’, a campaign to raise awareness about cancer treatments available over in the USA through Sarah Cannon, a cancer institution based in Nashville…which is no coincidence as the name, Sarah Cannon was the real name of Opry legend, Minnie Pearl.
This will be the second year the event has taken place at the Grand Ole Opry. This year, Chase Bryant and Tyler Farr will join Paisley on stage on Saturday 1st October
Cancer is something that affects all walks of life, and Country Music is no stranger either. Just this week Jo Dee Messina revealed she has been recently diagnosed with the disease. The note on Facebook signed by 'Team JDM' said 'it’s been a trying summer'.
Messina released her debut studio album, a self-titled project, in 1996; her last studio release, Me, came in 2014. Her best-known singles include 'Heads Carolina, Tails California,' 'I’m Alright' and 'My Give a Damn’s Busted.' Messina celebrated her 47th birthday on Aug. 25.
Other country artists have also fought the fight, some making it out the other side, and some unfortunately not, names include:
Randy Owen & Jeff Cooke from Alabama both surviving cancer
Sheryl Crow, diagnosed with breast cancer in 20016, after beating it, found out she had a benign brain tumour.
Kenny Rogers had skin cancer removed from his face in May 2014
Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry received an early diagnosis for prostate cancer, given a clean bill of health in 2011.
Brad Paisley is no stranger to tackling the big issue in songs with references to Cancer in 'This Is Country Music' and 'One Of Those Lives'. 'Today' has also been chosen by the 'Band Against Cancer' charity as their anthem for 2017.