Reba McEntire shared her spotlight in a special way during a recent show. The “Fancy” singer veered from her setlist during a performance in Estero, Florida to recognize her drummer, Garth Justice, who was missing his college graduation to play the show, which had been previously postponed due to a hurricane.
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“Okay. We’re going to interrupt our regularly scheduled program right now,” McEntire told the audience before spotlighting Justice. “As you all know, we were supposed to be here a month ago, not to come here tonight. And also tonight, in Cleveland, Tennessee, they are having a graduation ceremony at Lee University. My drummer, Garth Justice, was supposed to be there tonight, graduating with a degree in business management. Fortunately, he decided to join us in playing the show, so we brought the graduation to him.”
The heartwarming moment got even more special for Justice as McEntire provided a cap and gown, conducted a short graduation ceremony and handed him his diploma while “Pomp and Circumstance” was played and his family looked on.
The entire event can be seen in a Facebook video posted by the drummer’s wife who expressed her deep appreciation for McEntire’s thoughtful gesture.
“What an honor it was to have @reba recognize @garthjustice on his graduation day,” she captioned the video. “He wasn’t able to walk at @leeuniversity, but this was the next best thing! Thanks to Reba and all of her team for making my husband feel so loved!”
Following the special ceremony, Reba sang “Is There Life Out There” in honor of Justice’s accomplishment.
“This next song is very appropriate for what we’ve just gotten through here right now,” McEntire said. “I’ve sung this song many times. I’ve had people stand up in the audience and show their college or high school diploma. Because after their kids were raised and grown out of the house and finished college themselves, they went back and got their degree and fulfilled their dream, so tonight we’re going to do this song for you, Garth. We applaud you.”
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