Dolly Parton video airs at SEUS Japan meeting in Nashville

The Southeast U.S.-Japan (SEUS) Annual Joint Meeting in Nashville featured a video message from the late Dolly Parton, which served as a focal point for hundreds of Japanese business and political leaders. The recording, which Parton authorized to be aired after her death, highlighted the cultural and economic connections between the two nations.

The video lasted nearly two minutes and featured Parton welcoming the attendees. According to former Governor Bill Haslam, who co-chaired the event, the message was recorded approximately a week and a half before Parton passed away. Haslam noted that the Japanese guests’ eyes “light up” when the video began. The emotional response from the crowd at the downtown JW Marriott led attendees to request that SEUS leaders play the recording a second time.

Diplomatic and Political Attendance

The two-day meeting was emceed by WSMV anchor Tracy Kornet. Attendees included several congressmen, U.S. senators, and Japanese Consuls-General. Tennessee’s political representation included Governor Bill Lee as well as former Governors Phil Bredesen, Lamar Alexander, and Bill Haslam.

Japan Invests in Tennessee Through 200 Companies

The Southeast U.S.-Japan Association was created in 1976 to foster friendship, investment, trade, and understanding. The organization is currently marking 50 years of business partnership between Japan and member states, which include Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Japan currently stands as the largest foreign investor in Tennessee. This relationship has resulted in the operation of more than 200 companies within the state, including Mitsubishi, Nissan, Bridgestone, and Kewpie Mayonnaise, providing employment for over 60,000 residents.

Event Structure

The SEUS Annual Joint Meeting is designed to alternate locations every other year between Tokyo and one of the Southern states in the U.S., as seen in the recent Nashville gathering.

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