Opening Statements Begin Wednesday In Garth Brooks Lawsuit

Attorneys for country music legend Garth Brooks and Integris Hospital in Yukon are expected to make their opening statements Wednesday in a $500,000 lawsuit the Oklahoma native filed against the hospital.

Brooks said he donated the money to the hospital in 2005 with the understanding they would name a building after his late mother. Colleen Brooks died in 1999 of cancer.

1/17/2012 Related Story: Garth Brooks Says Hospital Lawsuit Is About Honoring His Mother

The singing star said three years after he made the donation, the hospital informed him it would be using the money, but would not be honoring his mother. Brooks demanded the hospital return his donation, but the facility refused.

"We gave [the money] in return for having my mom's name put on a women's center," said Brooks. "If you knew my mom, they called her ‘The First Lady of Yukon,' and she was all about young women who got a rough start. That was her life."

Integris insisted there was no formal agreement and Brooks made the donation anonymously with no strings attached.

The trial is being held in Claremore in Rogers County. It could wrap up by the end of the week.

1/17/2012 Related Story: Jury Selection Continues Wednesday In Garth Brooks Lawsuit Trial