Granger Smith donates over $200,000 to children's medical center in honor of late son River
Though he tragically lost his 3-year-old son to an accident earlier this month, Granger Smith is paying it forward and giving back big time.
Smith donated more than $218,000 he raised to Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin, Texas. It's the same medical center whose staff did their best to treat and help his little boy, River, after his drowning accident on June 6.
The medical center posted a picture from Tuesday's donation with the caption that read, "Our care teams gathered today to receive a donation from Granger Smith & his family in memory of his son, River. 'I don't know how you do it, but I thank God every day that there are people like you that love what you do and are so passionate about it,' said Granger."
ABC News' Austin affiliate KVUE was also on hand for the donation and got the kind gesture on video.
In the video, Smith wore the special red shirt he created and sold on his website in honor of River, which sold out. All of the proceeds are going to the hospital.
Smith explained, his wife by his side, that this was a gathering he obviously never "wanted to be a part of," but that the couple wanted to carry on their son's legacy and share their gratitude to the diligent staff at the center.
"You guys gave us a feeling that we were very special," Smith said of how he and his family were treated by the staff. "The feeling that our son was very special, all the while knowing there are many kids here [in need of help] ... We felt like we were the only ones in the world, the only ones that mattered."
Smith explained that even after he was told his son was not going to make it, the staff and doctors continued to "speak to him" and that through grieving eyes, the parents saw their son still mattered.
"I thank God everyday that there are people like you," he added.
In the online description for the shirt, Smith adds that while they have sold out for now, fans will get a chance to buy them in order for the family to donate further funds to the hospital at a later time.
"Thank y'all SO much for the amazing support with the River Tribute Shirt," Smith wrote. "You raised $218,791 for Dell Childrens Medical Center. That is what Yee Yee Nation is all about - Making a difference," the site reads. "If you weren't able to get one, don't worry. We are going to create another version in Fall 2019 sometime to raise more money to donate!"
The country singer, 39, also performed for the first time since his son's death in Chicago this past Sunday.
Smith closed out the three days of a local country festival, which featured fellow stars like Luke Bryan, and debuted a new tattoo on his arm in honor of his late son.
The arm tattoo simply says "River."
Granger Smith took to social media and YouTube last week with his wife to tell fans how his family is holding up amid the unspeakable tragedy that happened on June 6.
"We've been on quite the journey these past few weeks," Smith wrote. "I've been dark on social media, but I still have a full understanding of the responsibility placed upon me as a public figure. I believe I'm obligated on certain levels to include you guys in my current journey, as I've been involved either personally or musically in yours."
Smith added that the loss of a son "makes life feel fragile," but "it can remind us never to take a moment with those we love for granted."
