Country music star leaves $1,000 tip for waitress working a double while caring for her daughter

Daryl Matthews, WGHP, Nexstar Media Wire

Updated: Jul 30, 2021 / 08:14 AM CDT

GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — A Waffle House employee in North Carolina got a surprise when a country music star left a generous tip after his to-go meal.

The artist noticed Shirell “Honey” Lackey performing double duties, caring for her daughter at work while tending to customers at the restaurant.

That night, Lackey worked a double shift at the Greensboro Waffle House from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.

The big tipper, who Lackey wants to keep anonymous, left her $1,000 after someone from his entourage tipped her $50 and told the musician about Lackey right before he ordered his takeout meal.

Lackey said after she noticed the tip, he also gave her some words of encouragement.

“He was like, ‘I have to respect a mother that would do whatever it takes to support their child in a society where people don’t even want to work anymore,'” Lackey said.

The anonymous tipper also gave Lackey two concert tickets and sent baby clothes and toys to her home for her daughter, Bella.

“It feels good to be recognized. I mean, I don’t do it to be recognized, I do it because Bella is everything, but it’s nice to be recognized for doing the things we do as mothers,” Lackey said.