Garth Brooks Explains Why He Will Not Be Performing At Trump’s Inauguration

Country singer Garth Brooks will not be participating in Donald Trump‘s inauguration on Friday after initially being open to the idea.

GARTH BROOKS: WHY HE WONT BE PERFORMING AT INAUGURATION

During his weekly Facebook live chat, Brooks responded to a number of fans asking about his decision. He explained that while the inauguration organizer Steve Wynn had asked him to perform, an additional three shows booked on Brooks’ current world tour made unavailable.

“I’m going to tell you, with this whole presidential thing: We’ve got one going out, pray for him and his family. And for the president going in, pray for him and his family to guide this nation,” he told his fans on Facebook live. “Let’s stay together. Love, unity, that’s what it’s all about… In the immortal words of Martin Luther King, the most durable thing that we’ve known is love. It will always be that way. Again, can’t thank the Obamas enough for serving this country, and may God hold Trump’s hand in the decisions that he makes in this country’s name as well.”

When initially approached about the gig by TMZ, Brooks responded that, “It’s always about serving.” While perhaps not for the same reasons, Brooks joins a long list of performers who refused to perform at the inauguration, including Elton John, Andrea Bocelli and Jennifer Holliday.