Reba McEntire paid a special tribute to the drummer of her band at a recent concert in Estero, Florida, during her REBA: Live In Concert tour.
McEntire’s percussionist, Garth Justice, was scheduled to graduate from college on the same night of the legendary country singer’s show. Instead of walking across the stage at his Alma Mater’s commencement, Justice chose to join McEntire at the Hertz Arena to make up for a show that had been postponed one month earlier due to a hurricane.
“We’re going to interrupt our regularly scheduled program right now,” Reba Told The Audience.
Little did he know, midway through her set, McEntire would silence the crowd to shine a light on his academic achievement. McEntire even used the heartwarming moment to conduct a brief ceremony, which included handing Justice his diploma in front of his family as the iconic Pomp and Circumstance graduation march played on in the background.
“Okay. We’re going to interrupt our regularly scheduled program right now,” McEntire informed the audience. “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.”
A video posted to Facebook by Justice’s wife shows her husband appearing on one side of the stage with family in tow. He receives assistance with putting on his cap and gown and then makes his way toward McEntire to accept his diploma.
Watch Reba McEntire Stop Her Concert To Conduct A Graduation Ceremony For Her Drummer Garth
“May I present to you the class of 2022 at Lee University, Garth Justice,” McEntire says emotionally as an outpouring of supportive cheers can be heard from the crowd.
Afterward, McEntire segues into a dedicated performance of her country classic, “Is There Life Out There.”
“This next song is very appropriate for what we’ve just gotten through here right now,” McEntire explains before launching into the hit. “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.”
“What an honor it was to have @reba recognize @garthjustice on his graduation day! He wasn’t able to walk at @leeuniversity, but this was the next best thing!” A caption reads alongside the post. “Thanks to Reba and all of her team for making my husband feel so loved!”
Justice also took to Facebook to post the same video as his wife.
Garth Justice Says He’s “Speechless” Over The Special Moment
He also shared his appreciation for McEntire and the rest of his camp, writing, “I’m still speechless over this moment on Saturday night. If you’ve ever wondered what type of person Reba McEntire is, wonder no longer. She’s the queen of country music and the real deal. None sweeter or more thoughtful. Marne McLyman, Tayler Bock, and Melonie Murphy outdid themselves in planning this whole thing. And the band and crew were all in on it as well. They all made a memory for me that I’ll never forget.”
In the spring, McEntire will resume her U.S. Reba: Live In Concert Tour, which includes special guests Terri Clark and The Isaacs. The 14-date trek kicks off on March 9 in Jacksonville and concludes on April 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY.
In the meantime, folks can catch McEntire on the small screen playing the role of Sunny Barnes on Big Sky: Deadly Trails on ABC. McEntire also plays the role of a judge named Kim Wheeler on Lifetime’s The Hammer.
