LeAnn Rimes teams up with veterans charity for Christmas

Singer Leann Rimes has joined forces with a charity to raise awareness of disabled war veterans with her festive album and tour.

The Can't Fight the Moonlight star released her second yuletide record Today Is Christmas earlier this month (Oct15) and she is partnering with non-profit organization Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to honor former troops throughout the holiday season.

Her first single from the album, a cover of Kenny Loggins' Celebrate Me Home, a duet with Gavin DeGraw, features a music video which includes real footage of veterans returning home to their families, to raise awareness of the charity.

Rimes is embarking on a tour in December (15), and a number of ex-military personnel will be invited to each date with VIP passes and will be brought on stage by the singer to receive a "special holiday gift" and praise for their service.

She says, "While Gavin and I were recording Celebrate Me Home we were reminded of the emotional homecoming videos we've seen over the years, and thought that connecting the song to veterans elevated the meaning.

"We thought of all the great work DAV is doing for transitioning service men and women and veterans of all generations and knew it was the perfect holiday partnership."

The 12-date festive tour kicks off in Tacoma, Washington on 4 December (15).