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In 1982, country music legend Conway Twitty unveiled Twitty City, a $3.5 million entertainment complex and family residence located in Hendersonville, Tennessee, just north of Nashville. This sprawling property featured Twitty’s mansion, homes for his family members, a museum, an auditorium, and various other spaces celebrating his life and musical career. Throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s, Twitty City became a beloved tourist destination for fans.
Conway Twitty, born Harold Lloyd Jenkins in 1933 in Friars Point, Mississippi, first gained fame as a rock and roll singer with his 1958 No. 1 pop hit “It’s Only Make Believe.” He later transitioned fully into country music, producing hits such as “Hello Darlin’,” “Linda on My Mind,” “Tight Fittin’ Jeans,” and “Slow Hand.” His notable collaborations with Loretta Lynn earned them four consecutive Country Music Association awards for Vocal Duo, solidifying his place as one of country music’s top stars by the time Twitty City opened.
Designed not only as a private home but also as a welcoming space for fans, the complex included Twitty’s colonial-style residence, family homes, a museum, and entertainment areas. Its elaborate Christmas light displays became a highlight for visitors. Twitty’s daughter, Joni Ryles, later emphasized the family’s emotional connection to the property, saying it stood as a testament to her father’s hard work and dedication to creating a special place for fans and family alike.
Twitty City even gained national exposure through appearances on shows like Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, broadening its reach beyond country music circles. Conway Twitty lived on the property until his death in June 1993 at age 59. Following a tribute year titled Final Touches, the complex closed in 1994.
That same year, the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), a Christian media organization, purchased the site and transformed it into Trinity Music City. The property shifted from a country music landmark into a center for Christian entertainment and broadcasting. It now houses the Nashville-area studios of TBN-owned WPGD-TV, serving as a hub for Christian programming and productions.
In December 2023, a tornado inflicted significant damage on the Hendersonville site, prompting TBN and developers to consider redevelopment plans that initially included removing several buildings. This potential loss sparked concern among Twitty’s family, fans, and local residents who cherish the site’s musical heritage. Joni Ryles expressed her heartbreak over the possibility but acknowledged the limited influence the family had over decisions concerning the property.
Fortunately, in January 2024, plans shifted toward restoring the mansion rather than demolishing it. Ongoing development efforts include refurbishing and preserving the iconic Twitty City wall, ensuring that elements of the original complex remain intact.
While no longer a tourist attraction in the traditional sense, the property that Conway Twitty built remains a significant part of Hendersonville’s cultural landscape. Its evolution from a country music star’s home and museum to a Christian broadcasting center reflects both changing times and enduring respect for Twitty’s legacy.