Platinum-certified, Grammy-nominated artist and songwriter Anne Wilson returned to her home state of Kentucky for a powerful cause Monday, raising over $100,000 through a headline benefit concert at the Corbin Arena in support of tornado recovery efforts across Eastern Kentucky.
Monday’s event was presented by Rural King, America’s largest privately owned farm and home retailer, and benefited both The Sheppard Family Foundation‘s direct work with families in London, and Laurel County and the region-wide Appalachian Tornado Relief Fund, organized by the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky and the Upper Cumberland Community Foundation. In May 2025, a deadly tornado struck Eastern Kentucky, and the Lexington native felt called to respond with hope and help through music.“As a Kentucky girl, this one hit close to home,” Wilson shared Tuesday. “I’m overwhelmed by God’s grace and the generosity He stirred in people’s hearts last night. Whether you bought a ticket, prayed over this event or simply showed up to worship together – thank you. These communities are still healing, but I know God is moving, and I pray this brings them one step closer to feeling whole again.”
Hosted by Lexington 98.1 The Bull’s DeAnn Stephens, the night opened with a performance of “REBEL,” and continued with selections from her brand-new God Story EP, including “’Til The Road Runs Out,” “Devil Is Too” and “23,” offering a message of faith, healing and resilience to the crowd deeply impacted by the recent tragedy. The one-night-only event is available to watch on-demand exclusively via VEEPS, with all proceeds benefitting tornado relief, here.
“We are so thankful for the generosity of Anne Wilson and her team for creating such a wonderful event,” shared Kristin Walker Collins, CEO of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky. “Anne’s talent is only outshined by her giving and joyful spirit, and everyone in attendance was so kind and uplifting of the Appalachian Tornado Relief Fund. The turnout was incredible, the music was fabulous, and it was all for a great cause.”
“Rural King is proud to have a strong presence in Kentucky and to support the communities our stores serve,” shared Phil Reiter, Rural King Vice President of Marketing and E-Commerce. “We were honored to partner with Anne Wilson, The Sheppard Family Foundation, and the Appalachian Tornado Relief Fund to help raise funds for the tornado relief efforts in Eastern Kentucky and to assist families as they work to rebuild their lives.”
The concert marked a heartfelt moment in a banner year for Wilson, who just wrapped a two-weekend run on Morgan Wallen’s I’m The Problem Tour and was recently honored with two new career milestones: two billion career streams and an RIAA Gold certification for fan-favorite single “Sunday Sermons.”
