Full Circle: Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles Reunite to Deliver an Anthem of Resilience with “Do What You Can”
There are collaborations that make history, and then there are creative partnerships that feel like coming home. Fifteen years after they first joined forces and created musical magic, Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles have reunited, and their collective message of resilience and community is perhaps more vital and powerful than ever before.
Back in 2006, the duo famously soared to the very top of the charts with “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” a genre-bending track that flawlessly fused Bon Jovi’s signature rock-and-roll heart with Jennifer Nettles’ rich, unmistakable soulful country spirit. That song proved decisively that music knows no boundaries when its core message is hope. Now, the iconic pair returns with a brilliantly reimagined country version of the Bon Jovi song “Do What You Can,” injecting a much-needed renewed spirit of perseverance into a world still grappling with profound challenges.
The Humble Origin of an Anthem
“Do What You Can” was initially conceived during the turbulent and uncertain early days of the global pandemic. The song’s spark came not from a concert hall, but from a quiet, candid moment of service. Jon Bon Jovi’s wife, Dorothea, snapped a simple, unposed photo of him volunteering at their JBJ Soul Kitchen in New Jersey. She posted the picture online with a profound, simple caption that resonated instantly: “If you can’t do what you do… do what you can.”
Those few, honest words immediately ignited Jon’s creativity, and within twenty-four hours, he had crafted a song that swiftly evolved into an anthem for community support, humble perseverance, and finding the will to contribute in the face of widespread chaos. It was a message that touched millions, reminding everyone to look out for their neighbors.
Now, with the addition of Jennifer Nettles’ powerful, unmistakable voice, the song finds a rich new life. Her warmth and undeniable country soul expand its emotional reach, making the message feel even more personal and grounding. To further honor the song’s genesis, the duo released a deeply heartfelt music video dedicated to celebrating everyday heroes — the healthcare workers who stood on the front lines, the dedicated grocery clerks, the essential delivery drivers, and countless neighbors who selflessly stepped up when the world needed them most.
A Full-Circle Moment Cherished Forever
Jon Bon Jovi took a moment to share his profound gratitude for Nettles’ enduring talent, warmly recalling how her incredible voice was instrumental in propelling “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” all the way to the #1 spot on the country charts over a decade ago. “Jennifer brought that powerful message to life back then, bridging worlds and genres. Knowing the heart behind her voice, I knew instantly she was the right person to help carry this message forward, too,” Jon stated.
For Jennifer Nettles, who originally won hearts worldwide as the powerhouse frontwoman of Sugarland, this highly anticipated reunion is clearly deeply personal. She reflected warmly, “Working with Jon Bon Jovi back then was an absolutely defining, pivotal moment in my career. That song opened so many unexpected doors and genuinely changed my life in countless beautiful ways. To return to this collaborative partnership with ‘Do What You Can’ feels like a truly precious, full-circle moment that I know I will cherish forever.”
She even managed to add a playful, signature touch, noting with a smile, “Maybe we should officially call this one ‘Duet What You Can!’”
On her social media, Nettles lovingly shared a throwback clip of their first iconic duet, writing a caption that captured the feeling perfectly: “Fifteen years ago, I stood beside one of my musical heroes. It was a dream fulfilled. Getting to sing together again now, with a message so timely, is another incredible gift I will never forget.”
“Do What You Can” is also set to feature prominently on Bon Jovi’s upcoming studio album, 2020, which will ensure this vital message of hope, community, and forward momentum reaches an even wider, global audience ready to heal and move on together.
In a world that frequently feels fragmented, heavy, and deeply divided, seeing two titans like Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles consciously choose to reunite is a powerful reminder. It proves that music remains one of the greatest forces capable of uniting us, offering healing, and pushing us all to keep forging ahead — no matter how immense the challenges that stand in our way. Their renewed partnership is a beacon that champions humility, service, and the relentless human spirit.