When @TheQArena crowd sings along with Marlana … Straight #Chills. #ALLinCLE https://t.co/FrEOvBHL2T
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) June 17, 2015
Paintsville native Marlana VanHoose was born blind and diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a toddler. She has appeared at events around the state including the NASCAR Quaker State 400 race and Kentucky Special Olympics opening ceremonies. She has moved Kentucky fans to tears from Memorial to Rupp Arena, but no stage was bigger than tonight’s nationally televised NBA Finals. Marlana shared her gift the with the world, inspiring an outpouring of love on social media.
The best national anthem I have heard, unreal
— Mike Golic (@espngolic) June 17, 2015
Great job singing the National Anthem by Kentuckian Marlana VanHoose!
— Mark Stoops (@UKCoachStoops) June 17, 2015
I suddenly feel patriotic! That little kid has the voice of a champion! Throw it DOWN Marlena VanHoose, THROW IT DOWN!
— Not Bill Walton (@NotBillWalton) June 17, 2015
A MILLION TIMES BETTER THAN USHER. MARLANA VANHOOSE GO GO GO! #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/YcOhPHAkT3
— HuffPost Sports (@HuffPostSports) June 17, 2015
The most riveting National Anthem I’ve ever heard. The coolest.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) June 17, 2015
#KYProud
Here is a look back at Marlana’s incredible performance prior to UK Hoops’ game vs. LSU at Memorial Coliseum:
Marlana VanHoose Inspires Cats with Her Amazing Gift
