Iconic country music artists join forces to support Parkinson’s research
On Wednesday, April 16, the third annual “A Country Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s” event raised over $1 million for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF). Hosted at the Fisher Center at Belmont University in Nashville, the sold-out evening featured musical performances by Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town, alongside comedy from Dusty Slay.
The star-studded event, attended by nearly 1,100 guests, celebrated significant advancements in Parkinson’s disease research while raising funds to continue the fight for a cure.
Erica Krusen, Global Executive Director, Gibson Gives, says, “Gibson and Gibson Gives proudly supported the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s third annual event in Music City, ‘A Country Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s.’ This inspiring evening unites Gibson artists like Little Big Town, Chris Stapleton, and Sheryl Crow, raising critical funds for Parkinson’s research while celebrating the healing power of music. Through their commitment to music education and wellness initiatives, Gibson Gives amplifies the Foundation’s mission, bringing hope and harmony to the fight against Parkinson’s disease.”
Image: American television personality and journalist Willie Geist in conversation with Michael J. Fox
The evening kicked off with Little Big Town’s electrifying performance of their hits, followed by a moving tribute to Team Human Powered Potential (HPP), whose record-breaking $41 million raised during a 41-day rowing journey last summer was highlighted in a short film. The audience cheered on the team’s incredible efforts in support of MJFF’s mission. Later, Sheryl Crow introduced Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman, who provided heartfelt remarks on her family’s personal connection to Parkinson’s disease.
The night continued with MJFF CEO Deborah W. Brooks, who provided updates on the scientific progress that is leading to new treatments. Michael J. Fox took the stage to express his gratitude for the event’s supporters before introducing country star Chris Stapleton. Stapleton’s set included crowd favorites like “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Broken Halo,” with a show-stopping finale as he joined Little Big Town for a rendition of “Johnny B. Goode.”
The event was co-chaired by Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan, alongside several notable sponsors and musical guests. Among the distinguished guests were Kelsea Ballerini, Chase Stokes, and Alicia Witt, all of whom showed their support for the Foundation’s mission. As the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s research, the Michael J. Fox Foundation has already invested $2.5 billion into research efforts with a goal of accelerating a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
Lead image: (L-R) Dusty Slay, Chris Stapleton, Michael J. Fox, Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Kimberly Schlapman, and Phillip Sweet of Little Big Town (Photos by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
