Five former U.S. presidents come together for hurricane relief concert

Austin (Texas) [U.S.A.], October 22 (ANI): All five living former United States presidents took part in a benefit concert in Texas to raise money for hurricane relief efforts, while the current president, Donald Trump, appeared in a taped video message to the concertgoers.

Former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter attended Saturday night's event, named "Deep From the Heart: The One America Appeal," at Reed Arena at Texas A&M University in College Station, reported the CNN.

The five leaders joined together to raise money for victims of the hurricanes that have devastated the U.S. lately.

The group appeared at the stage and held their hands over their hearts while the national anthem played.

The joint endeavour has raised $31 million for disaster relief, the reports said.

President Donald Trump did not attend the concert, however, he appeared in a taped video message meant for the occasion.

In the video, Trump dubbed his predecessors "some of America's finest public servants" and expressed gratitude to them for their "tremendous assistance."

"To Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, Melania and I want to express our deep gratitude for your tremendous assistance," Trump said in the message.

"This wonderful effort reminds us that we truly are one nation under God, all unified by our values and our devotion to one another."

George H.W. Bush said, "It's important that those affected by these devastating storms know that even if the path to recovery feels like a road that goes on forever, we're with them for the long haul," as reported by the CNN.

"He sets an example for all of us, as does first lady Barbara Bush," the CNN reported Barack Obama, as saying.

Bill Clinton noted the nation's long history of volunteering: "We've been volunteering since before the Constitution, when Benjamin Franklin organised the first volunteer fire department in Philadelphia."

The event featured country music artists Alabama, the Gatlin Brothers, Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keene and others.

Lady Gaga also made an unbilled appearance and tweeted, "Nothing more beautiful than everyone putting their differences aside to help humanity in the face of catastrophe. #OneAmericaAppeal"

According to the report, funds collected through the concert ticket sales will be distributed through various organisations in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI