With only 12 months left to live, 22-year-old Dalton had a dream to see and meet Luke Combs in person. Thanks to the James Bess Foundation, his wish was granted and he got to share an unforgettable experience with Combs.
A video was posted on the James Bess Foundation TikTok account of Dalton in his hospital bed, sharing a few of his life goals. When asked what his dream was, he responded, “To go see Luke Combs in concert.” In addition, he also said he hopes to one day take a trip to the iconic Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN.
“Meet the newest client, Dalton! Dalton is 22 years old, lives in Nashville, is battling congenital heart disease, and has less than 12 months to live,” the video’s caption read. “His wish is a meet and greet with @lukecombs as well as attending his concert with his best friend and his best friend’s dad in Atlanta next month. Here is Dalton’s request video: (Dalton is autistic and was in the hospital when this video was taken).”
After thousands of country music fans seen the video and tagged Combs, the North Carolina native couldn’t help but to reply and make his dreams come true.
“I got you buddy. We’re gonna make this happen,” Combs commented, before adding, “I’m gonna give y’all the backstage tour myself, the whole nine yards. I’m [also] gonna pay for that Dollywood trip too bud.”
@jamesbessfoundation Meet the newest client, Dalton! Dalton is 22 years old, lives in Nashville, is battling congenital heart disease, and has less than 12 months to live. His wish is a meet and greet with @lukecombs as well as attending his concert with his best friend and his best friend’s dad in Atlanta next month. Here is Dalton’s request video:(Dalton is autistic and was in the hospital when this video was taken)
The CEO and founder of the James Bess Foundation, Mindy Bess, posted an update to TikTok thanking everyone who watched the heartwarming video, which has reached 1.4 million views and rising.
“This is so incredible,” she said with gratitude,” the word is getting out about Dalton and the foundation. I just want to say thank you to everyone who’s listened. For those who haven’t, please forward this on to people so they too can get involved.”
@jamesbessfoundation Update on the @lukecombs wish for Dalton!
Bess was excited to let viewers know that Combs had seen the original video and was going to fulfill the wish.
Before his show at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on July 30, Combs stuck to his word and set aside some time to hang out with Dalton. The country superstar gave him a full tour of the venue/stage and even provided him and his guests with some merchandise. Dalton later shared that Combs also promised to give him an autographed guitar.
The “Doin’ This” singer was photographed walking through the backstage hallways of the venue having a friendly conversation with Dalton and his family and friends.
Later on, they took their seats in the audience and prepared for their first Luke Combs concert.
“I’ve never seen a real concert,” Dalton said following his meet and greet with Combs, which was then shared in a recap video.
In the clip, he also revealed that he was looking forward to hearing his favorite Combs songs, including “Lovin’ On You” “Better Together” and “When It Rains It Pours.”
The following video showcased the amazing day and ended with a slideshow of photos that included Combs hugging Dalton, posing with his family and putting his arm around Dalton as he held one of Combs’ guitars side stage. The final image showed Dalton and his friend sporting their new merch with big smiles on their faces.
“The amazing @lukecombs and team fulfilled Dalton’s dream of meeting him and attending his Atlanta concert on Saturday, July 30, 2022! Check out this pic and video collage of Dalton’s amazing night! Huge thanks to Luke and his entire team for rolling out the red carpet for Dalton, we are all very grateful! Next up, Dollywood this October!”
When asked if he was excited about the upcoming trip, Dalton gave a very strong, “yes!”
@jamesbessfoundation The amazing @lukecombs and team fulfilled Dalton’s dream of meeting him and attending his Atlanta concert on Saturday July 31, 2022! Check out this pic and video collage of Dalton’s amazing night! Huge thanks to Luke and his entire team for rolling out the red carpet for Dalton, we are all very grateful! Next up, Dollywood this October! #lastwish #congenitalheartdiseasepatient #joy #hope #life #excitement #lukecombs #countrymusic #nashville
This experience is not the only wish Combs has granted this year. He also gave 17-year-old Addi, who is battling Leukemia, the “trip of a lifetime” and even serenaded her onstage in front of 60,000 people.
See photos of Luke Combs & Dalton below.
Luke Combs’ Middle of Somewhere Tour will begin on September 2 in Bangor, ME with special guests Mitchell Tenpenny and Morgan Wade.
