Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood wow crowd, raise more than $3.2 million for cancer research in North Texas fundraiser

DALLAS ― Garth Brooks and surprise guest Trisha Yearwood commanded the stage Wednesday night on behalf of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Brooks, a seven-time CMA Entertainer of the Year honoree, along with Yearwood, a 27-time Grammy award nominee, artist, performer and EMMY^® Award-winning Food Network host, shared stories of hope, growth and resilience with radio broadcaster and longtime friend Storme Warren at MD Anderson’s signature A Conversation With a Living Legend^® event before a crowd of nearly 400, all gathered with one mission in mind — eliminating cancer.

“The greatest lesson you can learn is to be part of something bigger than yourself,” said Brooks. “I don’t have to carry the load... I just have to be part of the ship.”

The record-breaking night raised more than $3.2 million for cancer research and patient programs, the highest amount raised to date in the event’s 33-year history. Chaired by Sherry Ware Brown, of Dallas, along with chair elect, Shelby Goff; and honorary chairs, Lois and James Archer, this year’s A Conversation With a Living Legend^® was the first to feature two Legends, instead of just one.

“The phenomenal commitment of these generous supporters enables us to take incredible strides in Making Cancer History^®,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson. “On behalf of thousands of our patients and their families, thank you to Garth and Trisha — and the entire North Texas community — for your inspiring efforts toward our mission.”

Country music royalty
Brooks, Yearwood and Warren took the stage for nearly an hour, chatting about everything from musical inspiration to family and loved ones lost to cancer. Brooks opened up about his mother’s courageous journey with the disease and together with Yearwood, thanked the audience for the contributions that night.

“I have such a special place in my heart for institutions like this and how much time, energy, money, passion, and all the things it takes to do this,” said Yearwood. “If there’s a way to prevent cancer, to end it, then sign me up.”

“If you’ve never been through it, know that as bad as it all is, you will remember the good things,” said Brooks. “I got five more years with my mom — put a price on that."

The love between the two was apparent in conversations about their parents, their children and their lives as almost empty nesters. They shared their favorite moments in the music industry as well as special times with family and one another.

Special touches along the way brought tears to the No. 1 selling solo artist’s eyes. A video tribute, featuring pediatric patients from  MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital singing Brooks’ hit “The River” brought tears to Brooks and Yearwood as well as the crowd. To close out the event, Brooks and Yearwood were presented with a custom cowboy hat hand-painted by the same pediatric patients.

“Cancer has unquestionably touched the lives of each one of us in profound ways,” said Brown, chair of the record-breaking event. “It is an honor to support one of the world’s largest and esteemed centers dedicated to cancer patient care, research, education and prevention.”

Making Cancer History^®

Since A Conversation with a Living Legend^® originated in North Texas in 1990, the event has become one of MD Anderson's signature fundraising events, replicated across the country in Houston, San Antonio, North Texas, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas and Atlanta. Over the past three decades, Living Legend events, featuring live and virtual interviews, have raised more than $50 million to support MD Anderson's mission to end cancer.