Amy Grant Honored by Mental Health America

Being charitable must run in the family. Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee awarded Amy Grant with the Vince Gill Ambassador Award, during her husband's Jammin' to Beat the Blues show at the Ryman on Tuesday, April 1..

The award is given to a local music industry figure who is an advocate for others affected by various mental health issues, developmental delays or substance abuse issues. The gospel singer received the honor, thanks to her bravely sharing her own struggles with her parents' dementia, and also for being an outspoken supporter of Abe's Garden, a memory care community for people dealing with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

Grant, whose mother passed away in 2011, admits it isn't easy watching her father's memory continue to decline as well.

“It’s been a journey,” she acknowledges. “My dad has around-the-clock care because he needs assistance with everything — and we’ve all done it.”

Gill's 16th annual Jammin' to Beat the Blues concert also included performances by Ashley Monroe, Charlie Worsham, Jenny Gill, Holly Williams and the band Striking Matches.

His next philanthropic show will be co-hosting the fifth annual We're All 4 the Hall benefit concert, with Keith Urban, to benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which will be held on Tuesday, May 6, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.