Conway Twitty's Iconic Home In Nashville Spared From Demolition

An iconic Nashville-area home that once belonged to country music legend Conway Twitty has been spared from demolition after its current owners reconsidered their plans due to an outcry from the public. The estate, located in the affluent Nashville suburb of Hendersonville, Tennessee, has been a significant landmark in the area. Originally serving as the site for Twitty's popular Twitty City tourist attraction, the property took on new life after the Trinity Broadcasting Network acquired it following Twitty's passing in 1993. They transformed it into an entertainment complex, and recently, the property has been utilized as a filming location for Mike Huckabee's show.

In December 2023, a tornado wreaked havoc in the area, damaging the structural integrity of the former Twitty mansion. Frank Amedia, representing TBN's real estate division, proposed a plan to the Hendersonville Planning Commission that would involve demolishing all structures on the property except for the Huckabee Theater. This plan aimed to make room for an expansion of the studio and new senior living facilities, but it faced significant backlash from the community.

An initial vote from the Board of Mayor and Aldermen rejected TBN's proposal, leading to further discussions. After engaging with the community and meeting with Twitty's daughter, Joni Ryles, who opposed the demolition, TBN revisited their plans. A new approach was proposed, aiming to save the Twitty home while still allowing for some development on the property.

Why Was Conway Twitty's Home Going to Get Knocked Down?

The December tornado caused substantial damage to the Twitty estate, prompting TBN to consider the demolition of the mansion and other structures on the property. They planned to retain only the Huckabee Theater to enable future development. This proposal, however, sparked outrage among Twitty fans and local residents, who felt the historical significance of the home should be preserved.

The pushback from the community was so strong that it led to a reconsideration of TBN's plans. After discussions with Joni Ryles and listening to public sentiment, TBN decided to change course. The initial rejection from the Board of Mayor and Aldermen showed how important the mansion is to both the community and Conway Twitty's legacy.

What's Going to Happen to Conway Twitty's House Now?

• TBN introduced a new plan on January 23, aimed at reducing the number of assisted living units to facilitate the preservation of the Twitty home.
• The Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously passed the first reading of this new plan.
• A second reading of the plan is scheduled for February 27.

In the words of Frank Amedia, “We heard the sentiment of the city very well, we prayed about it, we met with some people, and we just felt that this was the right thing to do.” This decision reflects a commitment to honoring the cultural heritage of the area, even if it comes at a higher financial cost. TBN has yet to outline specific details about how they plan to preserve the Twitty Mansion, but Amedia has indicated a desire to honor the legacy of Conway Twitty in any future developments.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why Was Conway Twitty's Home Going to Get Knocked Down?
• What's Going to Happen to Conway Twitty's House Now?

Biography of Conway Twitty