Long before he was last seen in Nashville helping to build 21 homes through his work with Habitat for Humanity, President Jimmy Carter made a memorable mark on the city’s country music scene. In 1978, during his time in the White House, Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter hosted a gala reception in honor of the Country Music Association, bringing some of Nashville’s biggest stars to the East Room.

That night, legends Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, who were at the peak of their careers as a duo, performed their classic hit “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” for an audience of over 200 guests. Loretta Lynn, clearly moved by the occasion, confessed from the stage, “I’m so excited to be here, I hardly can remember anything.” She then dedicated a heartfelt performance of “How Great Thou Art” to Rosalynn Carter, affectionately calling her “Rosie” and adding, “You know I love you.”

The evening was packed with performances by other notable country artists, including Tom T. Hall, Larry Gatlin, Charlie Daniels—who had also played at Carter’s inauguration—and James Talley. But Carter himself was the heart of the evening. Sharing his love for country music, he told the crowd, “When I leave my office at night, I often turn to country music to remind me of home, my roots. It’s a stabilizing force in my life, an ancient art form in which people put a story to music. The words tell about heartbreak and love, of faith in one another and faith in God, hope, hard work, marital harmony, and disharmony…There is a down-to-earth realism about country music.”

The President’s connection to Nashville’s music culture wasn’t just about admiration; it was deeply personal. As a boy from rural Georgia, Carter grew up surrounded by the music’s themes of struggle, resilience, and faith. By inviting these musicians to the White House, he showcased country music as an integral part of American culture.

The evening ended on a lighthearted note as Carter emceed a jam session featuring Larry Gatlin and Charlie Daniels. Sitting cross-legged in the front row with Rosalynn, Carter bantered with the performers, exchanged hugs and kisses with the First Lady, and even called out song requests. While some urged him to sing along, Carter joked, “This is not my regular line of work,” before perfectly timing the punchline, “Some people might think I do better at this.”

The Impact on Nashville Businesses

Carter’s embrace of country music highlighted Nashville’s cultural significance and its broader influence on American society. Events like these, where politics meets artistry, continue to remind the world of Nashville’s legacy as the heart of country music. This cultural prestige boosts the city’s economy and helps sustain local businesses, from music venues to law firms.

For example, local professionals like a Nashville divorce attorney often see a unique blend of clients, including musicians and individuals whose lives are intertwined with the industry’s highs and lows. The city’s reputation as a hub of creativity and opportunity attracts people from all walks of life, creating a vibrant, diverse community. Legal experts in the area help navigate the challenges that come with relationships under public scrutiny or the fast-paced music world. By supporting these businesses, Nashville remains a place where music, culture, and community thrive together.