Award-winning country artist Dierks Bentley has launched the Broken Branches Fund, a multi-year initiative aimed at providing mental health support to those working behind the scenes and on stage in the music industry. The fund, announced today, will be administered in partnership with the Music Health Alliance (MHA) and will offer grants to cover outpatient counseling and follow-up care for qualified candidates and their families.
The Broken Branches Fund reflects Bentley’s growing awareness of the emotional toll that a career in music can take, particularly during the creative and touring process.
“Making this album and prepping for the tour, I’ve never been more aware of the sacrifice that the people in this town make every day to keep country music playing,” said Bentley. “Whether you’re sitting in a room all day trying to write the perfect hook or leaving home on a bus for weeks at a time, it can be isolating and exhausting. This just felt like the right opportunity to make a bigger commitment on my part to supporting those folks and their families in a more direct and intentional way.”
Fans will also have the chance to contribute to the fund throughout Bentley’s summer tour stops and online at bit.ly/DonateToMHA25.
A Legacy of Advocacy
Bentley’s dedication to the wellbeing of his fellow industry professionals has deep roots.
“Dierks was one of the first artists to believe in and support Music Health Alliance, and from day one, he’s led with both heart and action,” said Tatum Allsep, Founder & CEO of Music Health Alliance. “Creating the Broken Branches Fund at MHA to support music’s mental health shows his deep commitment to the people who power our industry both on stage and off, and to their well-being for many years to come.”
On the Road and in the Studio
Bentley is set to kick off his 30-city Broken Branches Tour on Thursday, May 29, with Zach Top and The Band Loula joining as support acts. The tour leads up to the release of his 11th studio album, Broken Branches, out June 13 via MCA Nashville.
The album’s lead single, “She Hates Me,” has already made waves, delivering Bentley’s highest-charting debut to date. Blending classic country influences like Whitley with alternative flair reminiscent of Weezer, the track balances Bentley’s signature sound with a playful, humorous edge.
A seasoned performer and entrepreneur, Bentley boasts eight Number One albums, 22 Number One songs, and over 9.5 billion global streams. He’s also earned 15 Grammy nominations and holds a coveted spot as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Beyond music, Bentley continues to expand his entrepreneurial ventures, including four Whiskey Row bar and restaurant locations, a lifestyle brand collaboration with Flag & Anthem called Desert Son, and his newly launched ROW 94 Bourbon, made in partnership with Green River Distilling Co.
About Music Health Alliance
Music Health Alliance (MHA) is a nonprofit committed to “Healing the Music” by connecting music industry professionals with critical healthcare and mental health resources. Since its inception, MHA has helped over 32,000 individuals access lifesaving care and services, saving the music community more than $145 million in healthcare costs.MHA’s free services are available to those who have worked in the music industry for three or more years, including their spouses, partners, and children. To learn more or to apply for assistance, visit musichealthalliance.com, call 615-200-6896, or email info@musichealthalliance.com.
