Carrie Underwood Donates $420,000 Of Her Tour Earnings For Fallen 9/11 Vets & First Responders

Sep 18, 2023

Aside from Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, and many other country music legends, another artist that many would think of when someone says country music is Carrie Underwood. 

Underwood stands out among other country music artists with her very distinctive high-register voice. In a review of one of her concerts, The Florida Times Union described that "she'll let loose with an improbably long note that runs through more octaves than you knew existed."

Born on March 10, 1983, Underwood started her singing career when she was young, performing at her church in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The singer finally skyrocketed to fame in 2005 following her win on the hit competition series "American Idol." 

Following the show, Underwood went on to release a number of successful singles and albums while showcasing her incredible voice and vocal abilities. Some of her most well-known songs include "Before He Cheats," "All-American Girl" and "Jesus, Take The Wheel." Receiving plenty of awards and recognition, Underwood has gone on to become one of the most popular female country singers of all time. 

Along with her success in the music industry, Underwood has also embarked on various philanthropic endeavors that showcase her care and support for causes she believes in. In 2023, in commemoration of the 9/11 attacks, Underwood donated a huge portion of the earnings she got from her “Denim & Rhinestones” Tour to the country’s finest heroes and their families. Read on to learn more about Underwood and her huge efforts to show support to the people who need recognition. 

In March 2022, Underwood released the single “Ghost Story,” which served as the lead single for her ninth studio album “Denim & Rhinestones.” The album was later released in June 2022. The album debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard Top Albums chart, and Underwood embarked on the album’s corresponding tour in October 2022. It’s set to conclude in late March 2023.

Apparently, one dollar per ticket purchased at her concert goes to something important. Speaking in detail about her donation to Tunnel to Towers, Underwood went on the TODAY show on Sept. 15, 2023. 

“They help those that help us,” Underwood explained. “We decided to partner with them for the ‘Denim and Rhinestones’ Tour and the fans raised over 420,000 dollars. Just bein’ there making the world a better place. Hanging out, partying, listening to music, having a good time!”

According to their website, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation was born out of the 9/11 tragedy. It provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and fallen first responder families with young children who are killed in the line of duty, pass away from 9/11-related illnesses, or leave behind young children by building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.

“We are overjoyed and profoundly grateful for this kind gesture. Carrie’s substantial donation, supported by her loving fans, will directly influence the lives of many of our nation’s heroes and their families. It will offer them not only financial assistance but a beacon of hope and a reminder that their sacrifices are recognized and honored,” Tunnel to Tower’s Foundation CEO Frank Siller said in a statement.

According to a press release, Underwood will be donating a total of $420,316, which was raised by the fans who purchased tickets for her 43-city arena tour in the United States. In thanking her fans, she is slated to release the “Denim and Rhinestones (Deluxe)” album. 

“I’m so proud of the fans that came out to the tour and making this donation possible,” Underwood said in a statement. “They have always shown up to support great organizations like Tunnel To Towers, making the world a better place while coming out to see us.”

In the same press release, it was revealed that the foundation pledged to utilize the entire donation to the cause, forgoing their allocation for administrative expenses to maintain the upkeep of the foundation. This meant that every dollar of Underwood’s donation would be going directly to pay for the mortgage-free homes of America’s heroes. 

“This contribution transcends financial aid; it embodies compassion, unity, and patriotism. We extend our deepest appreciation to Carrie and her wonderful fanbase. Together, they've forged a beacon of light, showcasing the profound impacts of kindness and charity,” the foundation thanked Underwood. 

They also expressed their gratitude in a photo posted on their social media, with the caption: “THANK YOU to 8-time GRAMMY® Award winner & 3-time ACM Entertainer of the Year @carrieunderwood  and fans for raising over $420,000 for Tunnel to Towers! 💜💎” 

Fans of Underwood were thrilled to see this side of her. 

“Love her and the foundation she is helping!! She is so amazing! 🥰 Refreshing to see a celebrity like her. ❤,” they said in the comments. 

“I love Carrie Underwood!!” another raved. 

Are you a fan of Carrie Underwood? What can you say about this sizeable donation? Do you support the same organization that she has supported? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends and other Carrie Underwood fans!