Jewel’s appearance was apparently a gift to Kennedy’s wife, Cheryl Hines, and was unexpected — Jewel was not previously included on the list of performers for the 2025 Inauguration events hosted on Monday, January 20, in celebration of President Donald Trump ’s second term.

Jewel is speaking out on her decision to perform at an inauguration day ball honoring Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as she says her devotion to solving the country’s mental health crisis defies political party lines.