Blake Shelton Grants Terminally Ill Girl’s Final Wish with Private Hospital Performance
In March 2025, country star Blake Shelton paused his Friends & Heroes tour for something truly meaningful—granting the final wish of 12-year-old Emily Harper, a leukemia patient at the Jimmy Everest Center at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.
Emily’s one request was to hear Shelton sing her favorite song, “God Gave Me You,” live. When her family reached out, the hospital staff coordinated with Shelton’s team. Without hesitation, Shelton rearranged his schedule and flew to Oklahoma, continuing his long-standing connection with the center, where he previously donated $600,000 in 2016.
🌼 A Bittersweet Day of Light and Music
On March 10, 2025, Shelton arrived at Emily’s hospital room with his guitar. Wearing jeans and a black t-shirt, he greeted her warmly:
“Hey Emily, I heard you’re my biggest fan. I couldn’t let you down.”
He then performed a heartfelt acoustic version of “God Gave Me You,” bringing tears to everyone in the room. Though weak, Emily beamed with joy, clutching a stuffed bear named after Shelton.
He went on to sing other fan-favorites like “Austin” and “Honey Bee,” and stayed to talk with her, sharing stories from The Voice, which Emily adored.
Emily’s mother, Sarah, recalled:
“It was the first time in months we saw her smile like that. Blake gave us a gift we’ll never forget.”
Her doctor, Dr. Rachel Carter, added:
“Moments like this bring hope—especially when we need it most.”
✨ A Heart for Giving
Shelton has a long history of using his fame to bring joy to others. He’s previously visited patients like Elda Dotson in hospice care, performed via video for a COVID-19 survivor, and brought a young transplant recipient on stage for “God’s Country.”
Beyond performances, Shelton supports numerous causes—from founding the Blake Shelton Cancer Research Program to backing disaster relief and music education programs.
In a 2024 interview, Shelton reflected:
“Music got me through the hardest times in my life. If I can give even a sliver of that comfort to a child fighting cancer—that’s everything.”
🎵 A Lasting Memory
Emily passed away on March 20, 2025, just ten days after her private concert. Her family called the experience one of her happiest moments.
That same night, performing in Greensboro, North Carolina, Shelton paused his set to dedicate “God Gave Me You” to her memory:
“This song is for a little girl named Emily. She’s not with us anymore, but I know she’s up there listening.”
The crowd stood in silence, many visibly emotional.
Blake Shelton’s gesture was more than music—it was a final gift, a comforting memory, and a powerful reminder of how love and kindness can make the greatest difference in someone’s life.
Through his compassion and his music, Shelton continues to touch lives, one soul-stirring act at a time.
📹 Bonus Video: Watch the tribute moment and feel the love that music can bring, even in goodbye.