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Country Artists Who Paid It Forward In 2022 And Created Change

Miranda Lambert, Jelly Roll, Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, and more used their powerful influence in 2022 to demand change.

Notable members of the country community would attest that small acts of kindness can go a long way or create a positive chain reaction.

Throughout the years, artists including the late Loretta Lynn or Martina McBride have used their knack for storytelling as their superpower to demand change or to be the voice for the voiceless. Hitmakers like Toby Keith fights against childhood cancer, while Luke Bryan supports hardworking farmers that serve as the backbone of America.

2022 was a year of giving as a handful of country music’s biggest stars displayed their hearts of gold and paid it forward.

CMT compiled a list of musicians who made a difference in 2022.

Miranda Lambert: Muttnation + Animal Shelters

Miranda Lambert is not just a country music sensation, but a passionate animal advocate. In early February, the multi-platinum artist distributed a whopping donation of $20,000 to 20 rescue shelters across the United States. MuttNation Foundation granted multiple sanctuaries from Connecticut to California $1,000 each. The singer-songwriter hopes the generous contribution supports the pets and individuals who work tirelessly to make the shelters a safe and healthy environment. Lambert and her mother, Bev Lambert started the nonprofit in 2009. The organization’s mission is to promote adoptions and encourage spay and neuter for all pets.

Most recently, Lambert and her husband Brendan McLoughlin shopped locally and brought holiday presents to animal shelters in Middle Tennessee – Williamson County Animal Center, Metro Animal Care and Control, and Nashville Humane Association.

Jelly Roll: Giving back to incarcerated Kids

Rapper turned country mainstay Jelly Roll [Jason DeFord] might have had an unconventional upbringing, but he’s now using his personal experience to pay it forward. The heavily tatted artist was only 14 years old when he started to make questionable decisions, leaving him in and out of the juvenile justice system. The “Son Of A Sinner” singer has partnered up with volunteer-powered organization Impact Youth Outreach, to donate $250,000 to the Davidson County Juvenile Detention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

The hitmaker is slated to fund five $10,000 scholarships for graduating seniors at the facility. In the near future, the vocalist hopes to build “Jelly Studio,” a recording space in the institution that will help incarcerated children stay out of trouble and inspire them to learn a skill that can benefit them in the future. In early December, Jelly Roll brought his unmatched talents and mission to his headlining show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The genre-transcending musician called in a long-running list of special guests – Sam Hunt, Riley Green, ERNEST, Brantley Gilbert, and Parmalee to push his initiative along. 100 percent of the proceeds made during the star-studded evening went toward the local detention center. Jelly Roll matched the profits with his own money.

Shania Twain: Raises $150K for The Shania Kids Can Foundation

CREDIT: BAYLEE JO LORICK

The Queen of country pop never fails to lend a helping hand. In early September, Shania Twain wrapped her Las Vegas residency at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Before taking her final bow, she joined forces with Live Nation Las Vegas and Caesars Entertainment. Together they presented a whopping contribution of $150,000 to Shania Kids Can.

The top-selling female country artist started her initiative in 2019, when she opened the doors to her “Let’s Go!” The Las Vegas Residency. One dollar of every ticket purchased to the high-energy show has been donated to the nonprofit. Shania Kids Can Foundation aids children facing poverty. During her critically acclaimed run, she partnered with Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary school in Southern Nevada to support underserved students for the 2022 – 2023 year.

Dolly Parton: Donates $1 million infectious disease research

Dolly Parton has been working “9 to 5” to make a difference. The country icon’s kind soul, and philanthropic efforts have not gone unnoticed in 2022. Parton previously donated $1 million to pediatric infectious disease research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMV). The singer-songwriter’s generous gift will go towards the ongoing study into how the hospital can prevent and treat infections, diagnose/ treat infections in children battling cancer, and research to understand the “impact of childhood infections throughout the world.”

Following the heartwarming donation, Parton received the 2022 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, which recognizes extraordinary efforts in strengthening early childhood education through the distribution of free books worldwide with her Imagination Library project. Parton was also presented with $100 million from Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos. The money is part of the Bezos Courage and Civility Award. The singer-songwriter served as the third lucky recipient, as Bezos offered the accolade to CNN Contributor Van Jones and activist chief José Andrés last year. The tech giant allows each honoree to put the grant towards a charity of their choosing.

Keith Urban: Donates $250K to Nashville-based causes

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 12: Keith Urban attends the annual charity day hosted by Cantor Fitzgerald and The Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund on September 12, 2022 in New York City.

Country music sensation Keith Urban wrapped up 2022 by giving a donation of $250,000 to local charities. The GRAMMY Award-winner distributed the big-hearted gift to the Music Health Alliance, the Nashville Food Project, Thistle Farms, and Vanderbilt Breast Cancer Research. $100,000 went to the Music Health Alliance, a nonprofit that provides medical resources to music industry members. The other organizations received 50,000 each to drive their philanthropic efforts to heights.

Tracy Lawrence Donates 60K To Fight Hunger And The Homeless

Country music powerhouse Tracy Lawrence has gone the extra mile to end hunger and homelessness in his community. On Giving Tuesday (Nov. 29), the “Time Marches On” singer hand-delivered $10,000 to several charities determined to get folks off the streets in Middle Tennessee. Safe Haven, Shower Up, People Loving Nashville, The Laundry Stop, Brooks House, and Open Table – are the nonprofits that benefited from Lawrence’s large contribution via Mission: Possible. This year Lawrence also held his annual Turkey Fry and Benefit Concert, which fried a record-breaking number of turkeys [1,200] and nourished well over 9,600 individuals. The long-running affair raised $250,000 for the Nashville Rescue Mission.

“While we were able to reach new records at the Turkey Fry last week, we realize there is a growing need around Middle Tennessee that continues to need our support,” stated Lawrence. “We’re thankful for all our supporters that make it possible or us to lend a hand to multiple organizations.”

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