Trisha Yearwood is following her heart. The songstress has canceled a scheduled appearance at Orlando's SeaWorld, citing disapproval with the way the animals are treated as her reason.

Yearwood, who was scheduled to perform as part of the park's Bands, Brew and BBQ event in February, isn't the only country artist who is taking a stand. Willie Nelson also pulled out of the event, saying he could not in good conscience play for the organization.

“I don’t agree with the way they treat their animals,” Nelson says. “It wasn’t that hard a deal for me."

The issue of animal treatment came to light thanks in part to the release of a CNN documentary, 'Blackfish,' which shows how the animals are mistreated in the park. The film centers on the story of Tilikum, a killer whale that caused the death of his trainer, and what role the orca's time in captivity played in his aggression.

“I understand that there are some natural-habitat zoos out there, which is probably OK,” Nelson adds. “But what they do at SeaWorld is not OK.”

The country stars aren't the only acts who have backed out of the annual event. Barenaked Ladies and Heart have also canceled their appearances at the festival as well, with both acts claiming their actions are because of the way animals are treated at SeaWorld.

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