Yesterday was amazing, and truly insane. After a wonderful weekend retreat, to walk into something like that was overwhelming. I cried in the corner for the first ten minutes because I was so filled with gratitude. I can never thank or repay everyone enough for all that you’ve done to show your support in every way imaginable. Thank you for lifting me up with your love.
Last night as everyone left and we were alone, my mom Cheryl Wallace
said to me:
“I’m so proud of you, because this is what success looks like. You may have never had a top ten, or a gold record, but you have made an impact in the people’s lives who love you, and they are paying it back to you now. It is a direct reflection of who you are as a person, that so many people care about you.”
Just like many artists I’ve felt frustrated and disappointed at times, that I haven’t achieved the ‘success’ that we typically think of in this industry. I’ve also struggled with self-image and seeing myself the way others do. When I was diagnosed with cancer one of my first thoughts was ‘will I never have time to achieve those goals now?’
But my mom is right. I already have achieved the greatest success.
Having hundreds of people show up to support me, all the people who donated prizes, time, performances and the list goes on- all of those things make me feel today like I am the most successful musician of all time. If love was how we got paid, if love was how we got top tens… I’m a fucking rock star today, and all because of you guys. For the first time I saw myself through the eyes of the people that love me, and it felt like magic.
Love is what matters. Not gold records, not fame, money or top tens. Just love. Genuinely caring for others, trying to help the people around us, acting with empathy and kindness and creating a sense of community within the music industry is what makes the country industry especially such an incredible one to be a part of.
Thank you for the love, thank you for the amazing night, thank you for the support, I will never forget it and I will be there for all of you when you need it too ❤️
*Originally Posted on Facebook.
Photo By Greg Gillis 
Small Town Pistols- Photo By Whitney South 
Leah Daniels- Photo By Whitney South 
Kelsi Mayne- Photo By Whitney South 
Julia Haggarty- Photo By Whitney South 
Jessica Mitchell- Photo By Whitney South 
Ben Bradley- Photo By Whitney South 
Genevieve Fisher- Photo By Whitney South 
Eric Ethridge- Photo By Whitney South 
Kris Barclay- Photo By Whitney South 
Photo By Whitney South 
Photo by Whitney South
