I am fortunate enough to say that Garth Brooks is my friend. I first interviewed his mother, Colleen Brooks, when I was producing a show on cancer. Colleen Brooks had throat cancer, which ultimately took her life.
During our interview, it was clear that Colleen was so proud of Garth. I recall her being so animated as she exclaimed, “I am so proud of Garth. He invited me to a July 4th concert, and I wore red, white and blue!”
We were producing a show for public television on Dads and Daughters: Journey’s of the Heart, and I knew Garth had three daughters. One Friday afternoon, we got a call:
“This is Garth Brooks, is Helene there?” That call started a friendship that has lasted over a decade.
When Garth was honored at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he invited me along. I met his 3 girls and of course, his wonderful wife Trisha Yearwood.
Garth is the “real deal.” He cares about his fans. He cares about the people who support him. After one concert, a group of us went back to his hotel room to grab some dinner. After dinner was over, Garth cleared the table. He wanted to make it easier for those who would be cleaning the hotel room the next morning.
Kindness is something MONEY CAN’T BUY. This wonderful man has it and gives it out not only in his music, but with the people he comes in touch with.
Garth has a special way of uniting people. He told me that he once sang in Congress, a performance for which others joined in.
For one moment, music brought a “could be” divisive group together.
Thank you Mr. G. for being my friend.
