Morgan Wallen Makes 9-Year-Old Cancer Survivor’s Dream Come True at Maryland Concert
Morgan Wallen recently turned one little girl’s dream into reality—and gave her a night she’ll never forget.
Nine-year-old Kenley, who was diagnosed with stage 2 kidney cancer last December, had one big wish while going through months of chemotherapy: to meet her favorite country star. Thanks to some generous friends and Wallen’s team, that dream came true during his September 2 concert at FedEx Field in Maryland.
Kenley’s journey hasn’t been easy. Doctors found a mass on her left kidney late last year, which led to the complete removal of the organ, along with 13 lymph nodes. She had a port placed shortly after and endured weekly chemo sessions for six months. Through it all, one thing kept her spirits high—Morgan Wallen’s music.
According to her mom, Kristin Levering, every trip to the hospital was soundtracked by Kenley’s favorite Wallen hits. “She always wanted to DJ on the drive—non-stop Morgan,” Kristin shared.
That love carried over into Kenley’s everyday life. Her birthday party had a full-on “Wallen Western” theme, and the family even named their Nashville Airbnb after his hit Sand in My Boots.
So when she finally got to meet him? It was everything.
Kenley had no idea she was going to the show until the day of. But backstage, she was treated like royalty. Wallen met her privately before the concert, chatting about football and Nashville and making sure she got as many photos and autographs as she wanted. He didn’t rush, didn’t brush anything off. He was fully present.
“He asked her questions, signed her hat, posed for pictures,” Kristin said. “He made her feel so special.”
One of the most touching parts of the night came when Kenley gifted Wallen a #KenleyStrong bracelet—her personal symbol of strength and recovery. Wallen wore it for the entire concert, something Kristin called “magical.”
Kenley also held up a poster during the show that read: “Thought you should know I finished chemo 2b ‘Chasing You!’ #KenleyStrong”—a reference to his songs. That poster ended up on the big screen, and the moment quickly went viral.
“She kept saying it was the best day ever,” Kristin added. “Core memories made.”
To top it off, they also met Bailey Zimmerman backstage. Kristin called him “the nicest, most generous guy,” who happily offered photos and autographs to Kenley as well.
Morgan Wallen is currently on his One Night At A Time Tour, which runs through June 2024 and features a rotating crew of opening acts like HARDY, ERNEST, Parker McCollum, and Zimmerman.
But on that night in Maryland, the real headliner wasn’t just on stage—it was a brave 9-year-old in the crowd, smiling wider than ever with her dream finally realized.