MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. — For as long as she can remember, 9-year-old North Carolinian Destanie Sharrone has been a huge Nelly fan.
Destanie said her mom likes "Hot in Herre," but she has her own top Nelly song.
"I just like the song 'Grillz' from him," she said.
Destanie has longed to meet the Grammy Award-winning St. Louis native. Her dream came true on Friday, thanks to Make-a-Wish Missouri and Kansas.
She stepped out of a long white limo, strolled across a red carpet and about 30 minutes later, she finally met Nelly.
“Hey sweetie, How are you doing?” Nelly asked as he approached the ecstatic, young fan.
"Grillz? Oh snap! I love grillz!" Nelly said when he learned about her favorite song. " ... My wish is to give you a grill, how about that?"
For more than 40 years, Make-a-Wish has granted more than 10,000 wishes to children with critical illnesses.
Last year, Destanie was diagnosed with leukemia.
In 2005, Nelly's 31-year-old sister, Jackie Donahue, died after a long battle with leukemia.
The famous singer and fifth grader's touching bond this night was filled with hugs, smiles and lots of picture-taking for Destanie, her mom and her big brother.
"First it made me feel nervous, but it's pretty fun," Destanie said.
“What’s my favorite song? Well, I love them all technically,” Nelly told her as he chuckled.
The girl and her family traveled hundreds of miles to attend tonight’s concert at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater.
"It’s just so overwhelming. The Make-a-Wish guys have been great," Destanie's mother, Stephanie Sharrone, said. "The limo driver was great. Nelly's great!"
A curious Destanie also got a chance to ask Nelly a few questions before he took to the stage for superstar Janet Jackson.
"How do I get over stage fright? Well, I don’t think you do. You just don’t want to let the people, the fans down,” Nelly told the girl during their brief meet and greet.
The night was full of many firsts for Destanie. Flying to St. Louis marked her first time on an airplane. Talking to television reporters and attending tonight’s concert were also first-time adventures for her.
"Once in a lifetime. I don't think she'll ever forget it," her mother said.
Nelly wrapped up their special meeting by giving Destanie a big hug.
He also promised to give her a grill before she and her family leave St. Louis.
The family plans to visit the St. Louis Aquarium and the Zoo during their weekend visit.