Darius Rucker was honored by St. Jude Children’s Hospital for his long-time commitment to supporting the organization with his time, talent and contributions over the years. The singer was given the Randy Owen Angels Among Us award, which recognizes individuals who have “made exceptional and lasting contributions” to St. Jude through their “unique commitment and humanitarian spirit,” according to the news release.

“They do such amazing work at St. Jude. I always tell the story of going there almost a decade ago now with Dierks [Bentley]. He and I went to the hospital together and I was just so moved by everybody,” Rucker tells Taste of Country and other media during a recent visit to St. Jude. “It was just a no brainer for me to get involved with St. Jude.”

“Randy Owen started it a long time ago,” he adds, regarding how country music became so tied to the organization. “Country music is a family that loves to give back, and we all see what amazing things they do at St. Jude.”

Rucker was presented with the award Jan. 14 at the Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Seminar in Memphis, where he was surprised with a $50,000 donation in his honor from the ACM Lifting Lives organization. The singer holds his annual Darius Rucker and Friends concert to benefit the hospital and has raised more than $800,000 for St. Jude over the last seven years. Donations like his allow St. Jude the ability to provide care without ever sending a family a bill.

The artist is one of only four recipients of the award thus far, including Alabama frontman Owen, John Rich (Big & Rich), former ALSAC Chief Operating Officer David McKee (posthumously) and St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Council member Sharon Eaves (posthumously).

Rucker’s latest single “If I Told You” is a heartfelt ballad leading off his next record, his fifth solo studio album. Though it’s a slight departure from his usual style, incorporating a bit of Sam Hunt-esque flair with some near-spoken-word verses, the risk is paying off, as the song continues to climb the charts.

Darius Rucker Gets Honest in Emotional 'If I Told You' Video

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