Kellie Pickler Lands Important Gig for 2021

via Kellie Pickler Facebook Page

Many fans of Kellie Pickler have been wondering and maybe a little worried about what her next move might be after the Emmy-nominated morning show Pickler & Ben with Ben Aaron was discontinued after two seasons in 2019. Since then we haven’t heard much from Pickler aside from the occasional Opry performance or other public engagement. In the early 2010’s, Kellie was one of the most impressive and critically-acclaimed performers in mainstream country music.

But she has found an important new gig, at least for 2021. Kellie Pickler has officially been named the USO Global Ambassador in support of the organization’s 80th anniversary. Along with fellow ambassador, actor Wilmer Valderrama, Pickler will participate in events and engagements for service members, raise awareness of the needs of military personnel, and share ways Americans can help the USO give more than thanks through the organization’s Give More Than Thanks initiative.

Kellie Pickler has been one of the most steadfast supporters of the USO throughout her career. She performed on her first USO Tour in 2007 to Iraq, and has since completed 12 total tours, visiting 13 international locations including Afghanistan, Germany, Iraq, Kosovo, United Kingdom, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Norway, a ship at sea, and three domestic locations.

“I am honored to join the USO as a Global Ambassador for their 80th anniversary of supporting America’s military and especially this campaign encouraging all Americans to give more than thanks,” says Pickler. “The USO has allowed me so many opportunities to serve those who serve us, and this is another way I can help shine a light on something that matters…supporting our servicemen, servicewomen, their families and letting them know we don’t take what they do for granted.”

In 2012 Kellie Pickler released the album 100 Proof, which turned out to be her third and final record for Sony. In many ways the record was a precursor for important things to come in country music in the proceeding years. It included songs co-written by Chris Stapleton and Brent Cobb before they had made it onto many people’s radar. Chris Stapleton also sang harmonies on the record, and Paul Franklin played steel guitar. As a major label release from a former American Idol contestant, it was well-written, very personal to Pickler, quite traditional, and went on to win Saving Country Music’s 2012 Album of the Year.

But it’s hard for women in country music as we know, and especially hard if you record a more traditional style of country like Kellie Pickler does. Sony didn’t put much effort into promoting 100 Proof, and released her after the album. Kellie released her last record The Woman I Am through Black River Entertainment in 2013.

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