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Eric Church Receives UNC Honorary Degree, Performs “Carolina”

5/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Eric Church delivered a 14-minute commencement address at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill on May 9, 2026.
He likened the guitar’s six strings to faith, family, spouse, ambition, community and self, naming faith the low E foundation.
After a brief microphone glitch, Church concluded the speech by performing “Carolina.”
Provost Magnus Egerstedt presented Church with an honorary degree, prompting a standing ovation from the audience.

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Story summary

Eric Church delivered a 14-minute commencement address at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill on May 9, 2026.
He likened the guitar’s six strings to faith, family, spouse, ambition, community and self, naming faith the low E foundation.
After a brief microphone glitch, Church concluded the speech by performing “Carolina.”
Provost Magnus Egerstedt presented Church with an honorary degree, prompting a standing ovation from the audience.