I want to start with a sound.” That’s how country singer Eric Church began his commencement address at UNC-Chapel Hill. He compared six of his most treasured values to the six strings of the guitar, using the sounds to call up meditations on each.

Country singer Eric Church used the six strings of a guitar as a metaphor for life in his University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill commencement speech.

The country musician has gone viral for his moving commencement speech at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on May 9.

Country singer Eric Church delivered a powerful University of North Carolina commencement speech using his guitar to illustrate six pillars of life.

Eric Church spoke to the class of 2026 through song at UNC-Chapel Hill’s commencement ceremony on Saturday (May 10), where the country star gave an inspired keynote address and performance of “Carolina” for his fellow Tar Heels.

Passing on some of his wisdom to the next generation. It's graduation season, and nothing makes me feel as old as seeing kids who were born when I was in high school graduating from college. It takes

Eric Church did not attend the University of North Carolina. He went to App State. You would not know he is a Mountaineer, outside of a brief appearance

Country singer Eric Church delivered UNC's 2026 Commencement ceremony's speech in Kenan Stadium, where thousands of graduates celebrated a night blending music, reflection, and tradition.