Country music singer (and incredible guitar player) Anita Cochran was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. Tuesday night in Nashville, some of country’s biggest stars came out to celebrate Cochran and raise money for her treatment. Wynonna Judd, Terri Clark, Steve Wariner and Crystal Gayle were just a few of the big names who performed.
Last night, Cochran’s friends, family and fans packed Nashville’s 3rd and Lindsley for a sold-out show. The evening boasted a huge lineup but there were surprises even Cochran wasn’t aware of. GAC’s Suzanne Alexander hosted the event, tearing up as she talked about everything Cochran had to give up during treatment. Her aggressive treatment took her off the road for chemotherapy and, most recently, surgery. That’s where country singers come in — teaming up to play the benefit to raise money for Cochran.
Alexander introduced another of Cochran’s good friends, Clark, who spoke briefly before bringing up Wade Hayes. Hayes has had his own battle with cancer. He was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer and fought the disease — twice. Hayes spoke to Cochran from the heart before singing a couple of songs saying, “Anita, you’re gonna make it girl.”
The Lynns then performed two tracks, including a song in honor of their mom, Loretta Lynn. Lynn asked her daughters, “Will you let her know I’ve been praying for her?” Mandy Barnett was up next, performing and telling Cochran, “You are so brave and so strong.”
Jamie O’Neal and the legendary Gayle also took the stage, each performing individually. Gayle invited Cochran on stage to join her, much to Cochran’s delight. “Y’all, I have never sang with this woman before,” she gushed. Ty Herndon also performed a couple of songs while holding back tears. Cochran and Herndon are dear friends and tour together frequently. “It’s an honor to be your friend and I love you,” he told her with tears in his eyes.
See more photos and videos from the event below and head to our Instagram stories (& pinned posts) for LOTS more! Be sure to scroll down to find out how you can help Cochran during this difficult time.
Wynonna Judd
Steve Wariner
Chicks with Hits
Terri Clark, Suzy Bogguss and Pam Tillis
Clay Walker
Lorrie Morgan
Bryan White
To help pay for her aggressive cancer treatments, a GoFundMe page has been set up. They’re trying to reach a goal of $50,000 and every little bit helps. If you’re able, consider donating to this worthwhile cause. If you’re not, share this post to help us spread the word. You can also follow along with Cochran’s cancer journey through her blog.
Our thoughts are with Cochran as she bravely battles this difficult disease.
