Dolly Parton video screened at SEUS-Japan meeting in Nashville

A Posthumous Welcome at the JW Marriott

A video recorded by Dolly Parton just days before her death was screened for hundreds of Japanese political and business leaders gathered in downtown Nashville for the Southeast U.S.-Japan Annual Joint Meeting, WSMV reported.

The nearly two-minute video featured Parton welcoming attendees and celebrating the economic and cultural bonds between the American South and Japan. The late country music star granted permission for the message to be shown after her passing. The screening took place at the JW Marriott, where many in attendance grew emotional and requested that event leaders play the recording a second time.

International Delegation Reacts to the Surprise Message

Former Governor Bill Haslam, who co-chaired the gathering, noted the reaction of the international delegation. “It was really fun to see our Japanese guests’ eyes light up when Dolly came on with a message about this meeting, which she taped about a week and a half before she passed away,” Haslam said.

Dolly Parton video airs at SEUS Japan meeting in Nashville

Celebrating Five Decades of Transnational Partnership

The timing of the video coincided with a major milestone for the region. The Southeast U.S.-Japan Association, established in 1976 to foster trade and friendship, marks 50 years of business collaboration. Member states participating in the partnership include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Japan Remains Tennessee’s Leading Foreign Investor

Japan currently stands as Tennessee’s largest foreign investor. More than 200 Japanese companies operate across the state, employing more than 60,000 Tennesseans through major economic mainstays like Bridgestone, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Kewpie Mayonnaise.

Dolly Parton leaves posthumous video for TN SEUS Japan meeting — Photo: europesays.com

High-Profile Leaders Convene in Music City

The two-day annual event rotates locations between southern U.S. states and Tokyo every other year. Alongside Haslam, the recent Nashville meetings brought together Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, former governors Lamar Alexander and Phil Bredesen, federal lawmakers, and Japanese Consuls-General, with WSMV anchor Tracy Kornet serving as the emcee.