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Who is Lori Marie Key? Michigan nurse recreates viral ‘Amazing Grace’ cover at Biden-Harris's Covid-19 memorial

In April 2020, a nurse from St Mary Mercy Livonia Hospital in Michigan, Lori Marie Key, became a viral sensation for her rendition of  ‘Amazing Grace’

When coronavirus brought lives to a standstill across the globe last year, frontline workers were the first to step in and serve the people with everything they had. At the time, in April 2020, a nurse from St Mary Mercy Livonia Hospital in Michigan, Lori Marie Key, became a viral sensation for her rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’.  

Her video caught the attention of the Biden administration and Key was asked to perform ‘Amazing Grace’ at the  Covid-19 Memorial in Washington DC. She stood 6 feet away from President-elect Joe Biden as she sang her rendition of Judy Collins’s song. She expressed joy in being part of Joe Biden-Kamala Harris's Inaugural Covid-19 Memorial on January 19. 

Who is Lori Marie Key and how did her song go viral?

It was one of those days when the frontline workers were preparing themselves for strenuous shifts and a colleague of Key’s asked her to sing ‘Amazing Grace’. The video was later posted on social media platforms and circulated swiftly among the users in no time. Key’s voice became a representation of hope and strength as people thanked her for helping them get through the dark times.  

The 29-year-old works as A Registered Nurse at St Mary Mercy Livonia. According to her Facebook bio, she completed her studies at Eastern Michigan University.  Expressing her feelings about being a part of the Inaugural ceremony, Key said, "Just knowing that I am going to be part of history and never thought that video I did last year would land me here today.

She further added, “It's really a lot to take in when I say it out loud. I am nervous trying to save my voice here and there, but I'm also trying to remember in that moment, what this is about. It is for the patients, the people who have lost their lives to Covid and whose families are still dealing with that loss. Basically, that is what this song is about, encouragement and  trying not to look in the past but to look forward.”

Lori Marie Key’s message for everyone

Before singing ‘Amazing Grace’ at the Covid-19 memorial, Key took a moment to remember all those who lost their lives due to the virus, including the frontline workers. She said in the presence of Biden and the incoming first lady Jill Biden, “Working as a COVID nurse was heart-breaking. It’s heart-breaking for the patients who are sick, it’s heartbreaking for families who couldn’t be with them and it’s heartbreaking for those who are caring for them. But when I am at work I sing. It gives me strength during difficult times and I believe it helps to heal. So here is Amazing Grace.”

Nationwide Covid-19 memorial 

The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced that they would be hosting the memorial to “honor” lives lost to the deadly virus across the nation. An official statement read, “The PIC will host a memorial to remember and honor the lives lost to COVID-19 in cities and towns across the country. A Washington, D.C Ceremony will feature lighting around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. We are inviting cities and towns across the country to join Washington,D.C in illuminating building and ringing church bells at 5:30 pm ET in a national moment of Unity and remembrance.”