KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Country music star Gretchen Wilson was in East Tennessee on Thursday night to play a show and be honored by the City of Knoxville and Knox County.

Both governments chose to honor Wilson for her work in bringing attention to education, specifically the GED. Wilson dropped out of high school when she was 15, but went back to school a few years ago to earn her GED at the age of 34.

Wilson said she decided to get her high school degree for herself and her daughter.

Officials from the City of Knoxville and Knox County’s decided to honor her achievements by presenting her with the key to the city.

“I really didn't expect it,” Wilson told Volunteer TV News. “I think it's awesome people care about education and people care about the adults in America. I'm just happy I could be one of those people whose face and voice is known enough that people pay attention and do what I say. I wish I could do a whole lot more good with what I've been blessed with.

They also gave her heartwarming letters from students about how she encourages them in school.