Tanya Tucker: It's important to support our men and women in blue
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Recording artist Tanya Tucker poses for a portrait, Thursday, July 9, 2009 in New York. (AP)
Country stars are joining together to help the families of the five police officers killed by a gunman in Dallas earlier this month with a benefit concert called “Stars Behind the Stars” July 27th at Billy Bob’s Texas. According to a press release, 100% of all proceeds will go to the Dallas Police Association’s Assist the Officer Foundation which “provides immediate financial assistance to an officer’s family in the event of the death of an active officer.”
More than fourteen artists are participating including Tanya Tucker, The Oak Ridge Boys, and T.G. Sheppard who will serve as host. Randy Travis is also set to make an appearance. Tucker shared with FOX411 Country what it means for her to be involved.
FOX411 Country: How did you get involved with this benefit concert?
Tanya Tucker: I got a call from my friend T.G. Sheppard who is hosting the event and he said, "Tanya we can't do a show in Texas for the Dallas, Texas police officers without a girl from Texas!" When I heard him say that, I said where do I need to be, when is it - because I'll be there.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FOX411 Country: Why does this cause mean so much to you?
Tucker: Well, you know every night when I do shows there are security guys who wear t-shirts and there are police officers who protect us. I don't consider myself a celebrity, but I know I need to protect myself and my family when I'm on the road and in the public eye. Everywhere I go, they're there - the men and women in blue making sure I'm safe, my family is safe and my band and crew are safe. So it's important to me to support our law enforcement.
FOX411 Country: Why is this so personal to you?
Tucker: Well it's important because as an artist, it's what we do. We have to lift people up when they're sad and frustrated. Music is a healer, so I feel a personal responsibility to entertain when it's needed the most.
FOX411 Country: In wake of all the recent shootings, what’s the message you’re hoping to get out?
Tucker: Just love one another. Life is too short for all this craziness.