Country music favorite Reba McEntire has had no shortage of emotional hits, such as “Fancy”, “Is There Life Out There”, and “For My Broken Heart” to name a few. However, perhaps one of the saddest songs in country music, McEntire’s ballad “The Greatest Man I Never Knew” has continued to elicit memories of devastating heartbreaks and the longing for a father’s love from all who fall victim to its shattering lyrics.

One of the song’s brilliant writers, Richard Leigh, admitted that he wrote the song in light of his own father, bringing an extra shot of tears in honor the writer who felt so distant from his parent. Although this theme of distant relationships is often experienced by most at some point in our hectic lives, the lyrics “He never said he loved me/ Guess he thought I knew” never seem to grow easier to hear.

McEntire called on former American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson to do the honors of assisting in carrying the gut-wrenching lyrics to her doting crowd. The blend of their incredible voices created a pure and breathtaking harmony that perfect delivered a performance of raw emotional and talent. The crowd was stunned throughout the duration of the performance, erupting in cheers and whistles upon its completion.

Watch the duet below and tell us what you think!