JACKSON — St. Dominic said rodeo royalty and professional bullfighters from the Dixie National Rodeo visited the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit last week to read to infants.
According to St. Dominic, Miss Rodeo America Olivia Favero and Miss Rodeo Canada Abbey Hartey took part in the NICU visit, where babies were dressed in western-themed outfits to mark the occasion.
Hospital officials said reading aloud to infants supports neurodevelopment and can help reduce stress, making the visit both celebratory and beneficial for patients and families.
The NICU event also coincided with FMOL Health | St. Dominic’s first sponsorship of the 2026 Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo, the hospital said. As part of the partnership, St. Dominic branding appears with rodeo programming, including with professional bullfighters, and healthcare staff are offering free screenings at select events, including blood pressure checks.
St. Dominic said the 61st annual Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo runs through Feb. 21.
Source: FMOL Health | St. Dominic press release, Feb. 16, 2026.