Tennessean of the Year

The Tennessean of the Year designation, first awarded by the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1982, “honors an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to our society through sports or other methods, demonstrating strong character and high profile leadership.”

2024

Bill Dance

2023

Coach Josh Heupel, Danny White, and Chancellor Donde Plowman

2022

John Ingram

2021

Derrick Henry

2020

Dolly Parton

2019

Amy Adams Strunk

2018

Nashville Predators

2016

Peyton Manning

2014

Todd Helton

2013

James Franklin

2012

Pat Summitt

2011

Kenny Chesney

Ryland Hoskins

 2007

Hank Williams, Jr. 

2006

James A. “Jim” Haslam II

2005

Tennessee Olympians

2004

Avron Fogelman 

2003

Gaylord Entertainment Company

2002

101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Major General Richard A. Cody, Commanding 

2001

Tennessee Olympians

2000

Doug Dickey

1999

Phillip Fulmer 

1998

Peyton Manning

1997

Philip Bredesen

1996

Don Sundquist

1995

Vince Gill

1994

Albert Gore, Jr. 

1993

Cybil Shepard

1992

John Seigenthaler

1991

Johnny Majors

1990

Ned Ray McWherter

1989

Roy Acuff

1988

Pat Summitt

1987

Stanley Cohen

1986

Lamar Alexander

1985

Tennessee Olympians

1984

Conway Twitty

1983

Jake F. Butcher

1982

Barbara Mandrell

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