A heartwarming story of determination, music, and dreams is touching people across the country. A 13-year-old boy named Minh from a small town outside of Nashville has spent the last three years saving every dollar he could—just to buy one ticket to see his idol, rising country star John Foster, perform live at the legendary Grand Ole Opry on July 9, 2025.

Minh grew up in a modest home with his mother, who works as a barista in a local coffee shop. His father passed away when he was still a toddler. To help his mother make ends meet, Minh began working small jobs at the age of 10—clearing tables at the café and delivering newspapers early in the morning.

“I’d wake up before sunrise and head out with a bag full of newspapers,” Minh recalled softly. “I didn’t really mind. I knew every dollar mattered.”

One morning, while delivering papers near the coffee shop, Minh heard a song playing on the old radio inside. The melody stopped him in his tracks. It was “Tell That Angel I Love Her” by John Foster.

“There was something in that voice… like it understood what I was feeling. Lonely. Wishing. But still hopeful,” Minh said. “That day, I knew I had to see him sing live. Just once.”

Tickets for the concert at the Grand Ole Opry start at around $60—a significant sum for a boy with no steady income. Minh knew it wouldn’t be easy. Each day, he saved a portion of what he earned from tips, cleaning tables, and delivering newspapers. Sometimes, he saved just a few coins. Other days, maybe one or two dollars. On good weeks, he set aside $20–30.

For three full years, Minh didn’t buy any toys. He skipped snacks after school and never went to the movies with friends. Every penny went into a small tin can he kept hidden in his closet. On it, he’d written in marker: “For John Foster.”

“I was scared that if I spent even one dollar, the dream would get farther away.”

In June 2025, when tickets for the concert officially went on sale, Minh had saved just over $62. He carefully counted the bills and coins and asked his school teacher, Ms. Emily, to help him purchase the ticket online.

“She cried when I told her what it was for,” Minh said.

Ms. Emily printed the ticket for him. When she handed it to Minh, he held it like it was a piece of gold. “This is everything,” he whispered.

After Ms. Emily shared Minh’s story with other parents and friends, it quickly spread throughout local social media. People from across Tennessee and beyond were moved by Minh’s determination.

One anonymous sponsor offered to cover Minh’s transportation and lodging costs for the night of the concert. Dozens of others sent encouraging messages:

“A child with that much heart? He’s already won.”
“If more kids had that kind of drive, the world would be a better place.”

Minh’s story was also brought to the attention of organizers connected with the Grand Ole Opry—and even John Foster’s team, who are reportedly planning something special for him on the night of the concert.

On the evening of July 9, the Grand Ole Opry will be filled with fans from all over. But in the crowd, there will be one boy—wearing a clean shirt, holding a printed ticket with pride, and carrying the hopes of a three-year dream in his chest.

As the lights dim and the first notes play, Minh won’t just be attending a concert. He’ll be living the reward of patience, passion, and belief.

And maybe—just maybe—when the show ends, he’ll get to meet the man whose music helped him get there. If he does, Minh plans to say just one thing:
“Thank you for helping me believe in myself.”

Minh’s story is not just about a boy and his idol. It’s about the power of music to inspire, uplift, and bring people together. It’s about believing in something so deeply that you give up everything for the chance to touch it—just once.

The Grand Ole Opry, often called the home of country music, will witness something special on July 9. A 13-year-old with no phone, no internet at home, and very little money will walk into that hall not as a guest—but as a believer. A believer that country music, and the dreams it stirs, are worth everything.