Dave Chesney, a native of Union County and father of country music chart-topper Kenny Chesney, gifts the Historical Society with a donation of official Kenny Chesney memorabilia. Record labels recognize their artists’ achievements with record milestone awards, such as gold (500,000 albums sold) and platinum (1 million albums or 500,000 singles sold). These keepsakes are also presented to those who support an artist’s career; as such, Chesney has received several awards commemorating his son’s achievements. Chesney is donating four of Kenney Chesney’s awards to the museum and the people of Union County so everyone can enjoy them and share in the pride of having a chart-topping country artist in our midst. Chesney discussed the donation with his son and speaks on Kenny’s behalf stating, “Kenny is happy to have these items donated for the people and visitors to Union County.”

Of course, Chesney is very proud of his son and with a smile and a wink loves to ask who your favorite country music star is. The talented singer (and songwriter, guitarist, musician, and record producer) appears on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts, with hits, also charting in the Top 40 of the US BillboardHot 100, making him one of the most successful crossover country artists selling over 30 million albums worldwide.* Chesney notes that wherever he goes, people know who Kenny Chesney is! He shares a great picture of the two of them from their 2010 trip to Yankee Stadium as guests of hall of fame pitcher Roger Clemens, whose pitching led to a win against the Boston Red Sox that day. What is better than a father and son enjoying a baseball game together? The good stuff keeps coming!

“You’re never too old to love again!” Chesney shares excitedly with those gathered to witness his donation to the museum. Chesney had always intended to gift these items to the people of Union County, and with his upcoming marriage felt that now is a good time to do so. He is brimming with pride and joy about his upcoming marriage to Charlotte Campbell on May 15th.

The two met back in 1970 when Chesney was coaching basketball and baseball and traveled to Middle Tennessee where she was employed. He took notice of her immediately and they wound up going on a couple of dates, but it fizzled out as many long distance relationships among young people do. Life went on for 50 years with its ups and downs, and then one day Chesney received a call out of the blue from his now widowed friend asking if he remembered her. “Boy did I ever!” Chesney sharply recalls that it was April 12th of last year when he got the call. They chatted off and on some, then began really talking, then meeting occasionally, and it grew into a full-blown romance.

Chesney proudly shares what a great Christian lady Mrs. Campbell is and how much they discovered that they have in common. First and foremost is their shared faith in Jesus Christ. She is a preacher’s daughter from Bolliver, TN and she has labored in the ministry also, spending five years as a missionary in Africa. They take time to pray together before every meal. Of course, they both enjoy sports, Chesney having played baseball and basketball in high school and college. He was inducted into Hiwassee College’s Athletic Hall of Fame at their Homecoming in 2017. Music is also important in both of their lives; Campbell plays the piano and the organ, Chesney sings in church and travels with his son when he goes out on tour. They are both cancer survivors, retired teachers, dog lovers, and enjoy traveling. That’s a lot of common ground!

Chesney brags on his fiancé’s many talents. When she was in Africa, she had the wisdom to obtain two crop-dusting planes, and two helicopters for transporting news reporters around, and sold them to the government when she left. Since reuniting, she has helped him to get organized, and she can cook too! Theirs will be a church wedding, with his son as his best man.

Chesney shares that like everyone else, he has known some hard times and he remembers and is so thankful for the people of this county who lifted him up during those dark days. After a tough couple of years, he has a bounce back in his step and a smile on his face as he proclaims, “The golden years are golden now!” He offers encouragement to others stating he is living proof that you can fall in love at any age!

I encourage you to see if your favorite Kenny Chesney song/album is featured at the exhibit The Union County Historical Society is located at 3824 Maynardville Highway, Maynardville, TN 37807. Hours are Sunday from 1-5, and Monday & Tuesday from10-4.

*Kenny Chesney career statistics are taken from Wikipedia, to see upcoming releases or tour dates visit kennychesney.com.