NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
A non-profit organization granted a more than six decades long dream of a Nashville woman by allowing her the opportunity to perform at her own piano recital.
Marie Malone performed Wednesday evening at the Steve and Judy Turner Recital Hall at Vanderbilt University.
Playing at the concert hall has been something the Brazilian native has dreamed of for years.
"I love music. I think it's one of God's greatest gifts," Malone said.
Malone told Nashville's News 2 she has always had a special place in her heart for music, and was destined to become a pianist before she got married, moved to the United States, raised her children and became a college professor for more than 30 years.
"I tell you, it's a treat [to perform tonight] to say the least," she said, adding, "I love to teach. I don't like to grade papers, but to teach, it's a pleasure to teach."
Wednesday's performance was 65 years in the making for woman who is now 90% blind and has Alzheimer's.
"Just to be here tonight and experience this with her is just the most rewarding thing that's ever happened to me," daughter Lisa Dunn said.
Malone's wish was granted by Brookdale Senior Living and Jeremy Bloom's Wish for a Lifetime, a non-profit organization that grants life-enriching wishes to older Americans.
