Country Rising Raises Over $4 Million for Hurricane Relief, Las Vegas Victims

On Sunday night (Nov. 12), thousands of country fans came together at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena for an event called Country Rising. The sold-out benefit concert served as a fundraiser for those affected by devastating hurricanes this year (throughout the U.S. and abroad), as well as for victims of the shooting at Harvest 91 Festival in Las Vegas.

More than four million dollars and growing was raised to support these various charitable initiatives thanks to help from Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Sam Hunt, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Chris Stapleton, George Strait, Keith Urban and surprise guest Jon Pardi. Additionally, Garth Brooks sent a video from Spokane, Wash., where had tour dates booked, telling the crowd he would donate the proceeds from his two headlining shows.  During his Country Rising performance, Stapleton also announced that he and wife Morgane are donating $250,000 to the causes.

 Photos From the Route 91 Shooting Show Kindness Amidst Chaos

Bentley dedicated "Riser" to first responders and the community for rallying together and rising up in the midst of tragedy. Aldean — who was on stage performing at Route 91 when the shooter opened fire, ultimately killing 58 people — told the audience nothing will stop him from performing.

“It’s been a rough couple months for us up here, and it’s a lot of fun to get back out and play for the people who matter — which is you guys,” Aldean said. “I love getting up every day and playing music, and I’ll be damned if anybody out there will ever stop me from doing that."

Those looking to continue to help can do so by texting ‘Nashville’ to 41010 or by donating at CountryRising.org.

Jason Aldean's Defiant Return to the Stage After Las Vegas Massacre