The evidence that Luke Combs is the ultimate saint of country music is endless.
Adding to his long list of acts of kindness, Combs recently responded to a heartbreaking TikTok from a fan hoping to get his attention. The video, posted by Maddie Stack (@stackersss), has amassed more than 370,000 views and shares her family’s devastating story.
In the four-minute video, Maddie speaks directly to Combs, explaining the unimaginable loss her family has endured, particularly the toll it’s taken on her 19-year-old brother, Conner. The caption simply reads, “Dear Luke Combs,” as Maddie recounts how her father tragically and suddenly passed away on the Notre Dame campus on November 30. Conner, a current freshman at Notre Dame, was the one who found their father and attempted CPR. Maddie explains her hope to help reshape her brother’s experience at Notre Dame after such a traumatic event.
Maddie goes on to explain that her father had been taking Conner back to school that day following his fall break. After spending what seemed like a normal drive together and exchanging their usual “goodbyes” and “I love yous,” Conner tried calling his dad while unpacking…only for him not to answer. Checking Life360, Conner saw his father was just down the street and ran to find him. What followed was every child’s worst nightmare. Conner found his father unconscious and immediately began CPR. EMTs arrived and continued CPR for another 45 minutes, but tragically, their father was pronounced dead at the scene. Maddie shares that her dad was their best friend, and heartbreakingly notes that Conner’s last memory of Notre Dame Stadium is attending the final football game there with him.
Determined to bring something positive out of an otherwise devastating year, Maddie explains that her brother is a huge Luke Combs fan. With the “Hurricane” singer scheduled to perform at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 18, being the incredible big sister she is, she saw an opportunity. “My goal is for Luke to meet my brother, as this would be one of his dreams. Luke plans to head to Notre Dame in the spring, and having my brother’s first time be positive in the stadium after his last memory is a football game with my dad would be my dream.”
If the tears aren’t already flowing, take this as an opportunity to grab tissues while you can. Stacks finishes by urging viewers to tag Combs as well as acknowledge the fact that she wants this ploy to remain a secret. “Please tag @Luke Combs and try and grab his attention. If you know my little brother PLEASE do not share this video or tell him about this. Thank you ♥️”
The video quickly went viral, and it didn’t take long for it to reach Combs. Later that same day, Monday, January 19, he commented back, “I got you Maddie. So sorry for your loss. Promise I’ll make that night special for Connor and your family! God bless.”
Following the supportive response from the internet, Stack posted a follow-up thank-you video. Being only the second post on her account, the clip officially confirmed that Conner, their mom, and older brother will all be meeting Luke this April. In an extra display of selflessness, Maddie shared that she won’t be able to attend, as she’s leaving for her study abroad program this Sunday.
For now, she’s working on figuring out the perfect way to tell her brother, and has encouraged viewers to continue offering ideas and support in the comments. At Maddie’s request, and with her permission to share her family’s story, extra care has been taken to block Conner across our platforms and to encourage anyone who knows him to do the same until this incredible surprise is finally revealed.