Nashville, TN. (Curb Records) - Country superstar
Jo Dee Messina will appear on the Sunday, March 11th episode of ABC's hit show 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition', where the Tipton-Smith family from Waleska , Georgia will be getting a new home. During the show, which was taped January 17th, Jo Dee performed �Heaven Was Needing A Hero,' in honor of 16 year old
Ransom Tipton-Smith who lost his life in a car accident May 6, 2005. 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' airs at 8pm EST (check local listings) on ABC.
'It was such a blessing to be a part of this show,' said Jo Dee. 'To see the towns support for this family and the love they all had for Ransom, was extremely moving. It's one of those performances that will be remembered, always."
The Tipton-Smith family's home burned down to the ground in early 2005. Months later, single mother, Faith Tipton-Smith began to put together the pieces to rebuilding a new home for her family; Ransom, 16 and her two daughters Missy, 14 and Emily, 6. Then the unspeakable happened and Ransom was in a head-on car accident that took his life. The house was never rebuilt and 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' stepped in with the help of the family's community to build a much deserved brand new home for the Tipton-Smith family.
Jo Dee performed �Heaven Was Needing A Hero,' at a memorial tribute for Ransom Tipton-Smith at the High School auditorium where Ransom would have graduated this year. The moving performance took place in front of hundreds of friends and family members of the Tipton-Smith family.
Jo Dee penned �Heaven Was Needing A Hero,' when she saw an interview with a family member of the first female soldier killed in combat in Iraq . As she continued to watch the war coverage, her heart broke for all of the family members who have lost loved ones. The day they announced the death of NBC reporter David Bloom she was compelled to finish the song. It has not been on any albums released but rather was made available to fans through her website www.jodeemessina.com. It has become an anthem of remembrance to fans for lives lost.
"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," which has won back-to-back Emmy Awards as Best Reality Program (non-competitive), is in its 4th season on ABC. The program is produced by Endemol USA , a division of Endemol Holding. Denise Cramsey is the executive producer; and David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA .
