Heartbreak Over Conway Twitty's Mansion: A Legacy At Risk

The iconic mansion that once belonged to country legend Conway Twitty may be subject to demolition as part of a new building project, and his daughter says Twitty's surviving family members are heartbroken at the prospect. This estate, located in the affluent Nashville suburb of Hendersonville, Tennessee, served not only as Twitty's residence but also as the site for his popular Twitty City tourist attraction that welcomed fans until his death in 1993. Following his passing, Trinity Broadcasting Network acquired the property, transforming it into an entertainment complex. It has been a notable filming location for Mike Huckabee's show, Huckabee, until a tornado struck the area in December 2023, causing significant damage to the historic mansion.

The property was already under threat of demolition prior to the storm. According to Frank Amedia, who represents TBN's real estate division, the building is old and no longer suitable for its intended purpose. Now, he states it is impossible to salvage the structure. TBN presented a new plan at a recent Hendersonville Planning Commission meeting, proposing to demolish the mansion to pave the way for a large new studio and assisted living facilities for seniors. Concerns over the site’s insurance status have complicated matters further, as Amedia explained that TBN was under-insured, limiting their ability to invest in restoration.

Twitty's family is staunchly opposed to the demolition of their father's former home. Joni Ryles, Twitty's daughter, expressed her family's deep sorrow over the potential loss. She said, "We would much rather drive by and see it standing, because Dad worked so hard to build this place and make it a special place for fans to come and enjoy and for our family to live." Although the planning commission had previously vetoed TBN's proposal, the decision will now be passed on to the Hendersonville Board of Aldermen and the Mayor for further voting that will ultimately determine the mansion's fate.