A Detroit nurse performed a stirring rendition of “Amazing Grace” during the COVID-19 memorial in Washington, D.C., as part of the inaugural events for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Lori Marie Key was selected to perform on Jan. 19 at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to commemorate the over 400,000 American lives lost since the onset of the deadly virus.
Before the 29-year-old sang the house down, Key shared her experience working as an essential worker and medical professional during the pandemic.
“Working as a COVID nurse is heartbreaking. As heartbreaking for the patients who are sick, it was heartbreaking for the family who couldn’t be there with them, and it’s heartbreaking for those caring for them,” Key said. “But when I’m at work, I sing. It gives me strength during difficult times, and I believe it helps heal.”
Key, clad in a jacket from her employer, St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia, Michigan, was excited and nervous about the performance. She took to her Facebook to express her feelings.
“Thank you, everyone, for all the love, shares, encouraging comments and support,” Key wrote on Facebook. “Pray for me while I’m up there. People who are close to me and know me knows I have bad nerves. God be with me."
Thank you everyone for all the love, shares, encouraging comments and support.!!! Pray for me while I'm up there! People who are close to me and know me, knows I have bad nerves lol. God be with me????????❤
Posted by Lori Marie Key on Tuesday, January 19, 2021
She went viral in April after being caught on video singing the gospel song during a staff meeting, the Detroit Free Press reported.
She was asked to sing at work, and her anointing voice soothed the spirits of coworkers who were exhausted from taking care of COVID-19 patients. “I was requested to sing during our morning huddle. This week on our floor has been CRAZY; we need the Lord’s grace and mercy during this time,” she told the Detriot Free Press. “Stay home if you don’t need to leave the house. Pray for the sick and health care workers at risk for this disease. God is with us always.”
