Coronavirus News: Superstar Tim McGraw surprises New Jersey nurses to say thanks

MARLTON, New Jersey (WABC) -- Country music superstar Tim McGraw surprised a group of frontline hospital workers in New Jersey to express his gratitude.

McGraw helped make the day of the nursing staff in the COVID unit at Virtua Hospital on Thursday.

His appearance was arranged by Spotify as part of a new social series called "The Drop In," where artists pop in on the virtual gatherings of some of their biggest fans.

"I just wanted to, just to give, say thank you and what great work you guys are doing," McGraw said. "And most import for me, it's an inspiration to my daughters. Thank y'all for all of the great work you're doing."

"When Tim popped up it seemed like a beacon went off," said nursing director Anthony Flaherty. "They heard his voice and people started to come over and gather."

"No one could believe it, even getting word to other units people were like, no Tim McGraw didn't call," said assistant nurse manager AJ Papeika.

But yes, McGraw did call and it was just in time.

Back in May, the Burlington County hospital was maxed out with COVID patients,

"When you listen about COVID in the beginning, it was New York City, it was bigger hospitals, bigger facilities and it's happening in every community, in every county," Flaherty said. "It doesn't matter if it's big or small, it's still...it's still a fight."

Not only did McGraw pop in to say thank you, he also sang the group of nurses a song.

The serenade of his newly released son "I Call Mama" was the icing on the cake. But what meant the most was the 30-minute check in to make sure the nurses were OK.

"Not that it means any more coming from a celebrity, but someone who I always admired and been a huge fan of, it felt really good, I was just walking on air the rest of the day," said nurse Jessica Vitarell.

"Do not underestimate the impact of something as small as this is, it may be to him, but not to us, it is incredible," said nurse Lydia Leconey.

WATCH THE SERIES: EYEWITNESS TO A PANDEMIC (Episode 6 below)

Suddenly, the brutal death of George Floyd while in the custody of police officers in Minneapolis filled the streets of a nation with rage and sorrow. New York was no different. Protesters put the fear of the virus aside and took to the streets by the thousands. Abandoning the safety and comfort of social distance, to demand social change.

abc7NY Phase Tracker:

COVID-19 Help, Information. Stimulus and Business Updates

UPDATES

New York City

New Jersey

Long Island

Westchester and Hudson Valley

Connecticut

7 On Your Side Investigates: Up to 4,000 coronavirus cases prevented by NYC contact tracers

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio along with local health experts have repeatedly called contact tracing a key element in preventing another spike of coronavirus in the city.

REOPENING INFORMATION

What's Open, What's Closed

Reopening New York State

Reopening New Jersey

Reopening Connecticut

Total count of NYC, Long Island COVID-19 cases based on patient address