Jennifer Nettles helped honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, with a moving performance during the 25th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony in New York City.

The country singer and actress, who is also a member of Sugarland and a Broadway performer, took the stage to sing Vince Gill’s emotional song Go Rest High on That Mountain.

The song holds a special place in country music history. Gill began writing it after the death of Keith Whitley in 1989 and completed it following the death of his brother, Bob, in 1993. The original recording included Ricky Skaggs and Patty Loveless on backing vocals.

Nettles performed the song with Emily Fink, Adam Rothenberg and Naomi Serrano. Fink and Serrano added powerful harmonies, while Rothenberg accompanied Nettles on piano.

The performance brought a quiet and emotional moment to the ceremony as families and guests gathered to remember those who died in the attacks.

Jennifer Nettles reflects on the emotional performance

After the ceremony, Nettles shared a message with her followers about the experience.

She said she felt honored to sing for the families of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. She also acknowledged how difficult it can be to perform in front of people carrying such deep grief.

“Those of us who were alive then all remember where we were when it happened,” Nettles wrote.

She explained that emotions can make it difficult to sing, describing the voice as being “sacredly situated between the head and the heart.”

Still, Nettles said she had to “sing through the sadness” in order to offer comfort to those who were hurting on the anniversary.

The singer thanked Fink, Rothenberg and Serrano for joining her onstage. She also expressed gratitude to Gill for giving her permission to perform the song, calling it “an amazing modern hymn.”

Along with her message, Nettles shared a rehearsal video showing her preparing the performance with Fink and Serrano.

Her tribute gave the 25th anniversary ceremony a deeply personal moment and offered a reminder of the healing power of music.