During a recent appearance on the Armchair Expert podcast with Dax Shepard, country music star Luke Combs shared a fascinating story about a shocking, and expensive, gift he received from a fellow artist. The person behind this incredibly generous gesture? None other than the legendary Garth Brooks.
Combs revealed that Brooks surprised him with a brand-new Ford Bronco Raptor, a car with a price tag of around $90,000. While it’s a dream gift for anyone, Combs admitted his initial reaction was pure confusion, not excitement. At the time, he and Brooks barely knew each other.
The unexpected delivery came last Christmas. Combs was at home, feeding his son, when he saw a blue Bronco pull up to his gate. He initially thought it was his manager, who drives the exact same car, stopping by with a holiday present. He was about to ask, “Are you giving me your car, dude?” when his manager threw him the keys and said, “No, man, Garth bought you this.”
Combs was completely “floored” by the news. “I was like, ‘What?… What for?…This is like a $90,000 car, dude!'” he exclaimed.
The story behind the gift goes back to a special night in 2022. Brooks was receiving the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award, and Combs was one of the performers honoring him. Combs sang Brooks’ 1995 hit, “Beaches of Cheyanne,” and the performance had a profound impact on Brooks. Afterward, Brooks praised Combs online, saying the performance made him feel like a songwriter for the very first time.
Moved by the tribute, Brooks wanted to find the perfect thank-you gift. He reached out to Combs’ team and learned that Combs is a car enthusiast, leading him to the Bronco Raptor. The car was on backorder, which is why it took a year to be delivered.
I never felt like a songwriter until tonight when @lukecombs sang the sh$@t out of Beaches of Cheyenne!
Thank you @NSAIofficial for yet another unforgettable moment in my life and career!! love, g— Garth Brooks (@garthbrooks) September 21, 2022
After finally receiving the vehicle, Combs called Brooks to express his confusion and gratitude. “I was like, ‘You didn’t have to do this, dude,'” Combs said. “I drove 20 minutes and was there for less than an hour, dude.…” But Brooks’ response perfectly explained his reasoning: “Yeah, but you could’ve went out and booked your own show that night and made this much money.”
Combs noted that there were about eight other performers that night, but he’s not sure if any of them received a similarly extravagant gift. This unique story proves that even in the world of celebrity, genuine appreciation can lead to truly unexpected—and incredibly generous—surprises.
