Texas Boy Fighting Leukemia Gets the Chance To Meet Country Music Stars Like Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, and More

While Jelly Roll watched as his time in country music brought success, awards, and fame, he never once forgot where he came from. Although sitting on top of country music, the singer continuously found ways to give back to those in need. And he even spent time in jails, hoping to encourage others to change their lives for the better. Always willing to share a special moment with fans, Jelly Roll recently made a little boy’s dream come true when the two met. Battling leukemia, it seemed the boy met more than Jelly Roll. 

Having to endure chemo treatments, the little boy named Hudson Swinnea found some peace when listening to stars like Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Shaboozey, and Ernest. Spending over a year battling leukemia, Krystal Swinnea, the boy’s mother, explained how a police officer, who happened to be a family friend, discussed Hudson’s story with Johnson. “He took that time to talk to him about Hudson and see if maybe he could FaceTime him or meet him. He called and he’s like, ‘I think Cody Johnson is going to call and talk to Hudson.’”

To the family’s surprise, Johnson decided to FaceTime Hudson and spend some time talking to him. And it wasn’t just Johnson as Jelly Roll also took a moment to talk to the boy and even invited him to one of his shows.

[RELATED: Watch Jelly Roll Sing Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” With Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe on the Drums in Austin, Texas]

Jelly Roll Brings Hudson Swinnea Into Prayer Circle

Taking him up on the offer, Krystal explained how excited Hudson was to meet Jelly Roll and Johnson. “He shook Cody Johnson’s hand when we got to meet Cody, and he talked to him. Then, there was lots of fist bumps with Jolly Roll, and he did talk to him as well. Ernest and Shaboozey, he did talk to them.”

Embracing Hudson as if he was part of the touring crew, Krystal revealed that Jelly Roll even welcomed the family into their prayer circle. “He said this amazing prayer before he went out on stage. We got to stand in their circle and pray with them. He prayed for us, and he prayed for Hudson. The whole experience was very touching.”

As for Hudson, Krystal insisted, “He has not quit talking about it. He’s told everybody, and he has definitely said over and over that they’re the best nights ever, so I definitely think he had a great time, and it’s really boosted his spirit.”

 (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)