Martina McBride, Darius Rucker + Lady A Team With MDA

Martina McBride, Darius Rucker and Lady Antebellum have all joined forces with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Grand Ole Opry to provide taped performances from the iconic country music stage to be televised during the prime-time MDA Labor Day Telethon, set for September 4. The taped segments were part of last night's all-star Opry performances (June 8).

Additionally, the country music superstars spoke with Abbey Umali, a 12-year-old MDA goodwill ambassador who plays a vital role in the support outreach for the progressive muscle disease that affects more than a million Americans each year.

Martina is no stranger to the cause. The 'Teenage Daughters' singer has worked closely with the event in the past, and has even helped fulfill the wish in 2004 for a young girl with Muscular Dystrophy. On her outreach mission, she says, "I encourage everyone to tune in to the Telethon and support the Muscular Dystrophy Association. MDA sends thousands of kids with muscular dystrophy to magical week-long summer camps each year, funds worldwide research and maintains nearly 200 clinics to help families across the U.S. It's important we continue to help

MDA help so many others."

The band members of Lady Antebellum echo many of the same sentiments. "It's been an unbelievable year for us," says Lady A's Hillary Scott. "Charles, Dave and I always have a great time performing at the Opry, and this one was extra special since it will be included in the MDA Telethon on Labor Day. It warms our hearts to be part of the nearly 50-year tradition that means the world to families living with muscular dystrophy."

Darius was asked to participate after the 'This' singer formed a special bond with Abbey after an impromptu duet during Nashville's Country Radio Seminar last March.

"Abbey rocked the house on 'Come Back Song," Darius testifies. "I'll long remember this duet, and I hope it will be particularly powerful for the tens of millions watching the MDA Telethon at home."

The singers also taped unique telethon tune-in messages and appeals that will be broadcasted frequently throughout August and September on the hundreds of television and radio stations that make up the MDA Love Network.