Introduction:
In the serene heart of Gallatin, Tennessee, amidst the quiet beauty of Sumner Memorial Gardens, lies the final resting place of one of country music’s greatest icons: Harold Lloyd Jenkins, better known to the world as Conway Twitty. For fans paying tribute, the journey to his mausoleum is a pilgrimage — not only to remember a legend, but to connect with the very soul of a man whose music shaped generations.
Long before we reach the vault that bears his name, the spirit of Conway echoes in nearby Hendersonville, where his former estate — once the dazzling Twitty City — still stands. Built in 1982 as both a home for his family and a destination for his fans, Twitty City featured a 24-room mansion, landscaped gardens, waterfalls, a museum, gift shop, and even homes for his children and mother. 
Back in the day, fans would flock to the property, and Conway himself often greeted them from his balcony, autographing, chatting, and performing informal shows. After his death in 1993, however, the site went through upheaval. Legal battles over his estate resulted in the sale of the property to the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), which renamed it Trinity Music City. Tours were offered for years — until 2016, when they were halted indefinitely.
Twitty City’s story took another turn in December 2023. A tornado struck the property, causing extensive damage, particularly to Conway’s mansion. Initially, TBN considered demolishing the structure, calling it unsafe. But thanks to public outcry, in early 2024 they reversed course and committed to restoring the historic home — preserving some of the original memorabilia and legacy. 
Turning back to Gallatin, the cemetery is modest and peaceful — a gentle counterpoint to the glitz of Twitty City. Visitors navigate down a quiet road, past rows of vaults and mausoleums, until they reach the lower vault on the left: Conway’s. Under his birth name, Harold Lloyd Jenkins, his resting place is marked modestly — a polished red-granite vault bearing just “Jenkins.” It’s only via a small plaque, placed by an Elvis Presley fan club, that his stage name “Conway Twitty” is acknowledged.
The name “Conway Twitty” itself is a story. He adopted it by combining “Conway,” from Conway, Arkansas, and “Twitty,” from Twitty, Texas. And his musical journey was deeply influenced by Elvis Presley: after hearing Presley’s “Mystery Train,” he moved into rock & roll, even recording some early material at Sun Records, though his first major hit “It’s Only Make Believe” didn’t come until 1958. One of Twitty’s signature traits was his distinctive growl — evident in both his early rock tracks and his classic country ballads.
Conway Twitty’s legacy is staggering: more than 50 number-one hits across his career, including duets with Loretta Lynn like “After the Fire Is Gone,” and solo hits such as “Hello Darlin’,” “Slow Hand,” and “You’ve Never Been This Far Before.” 
Visiting his grave, you might find yourself alone — far from the roar of an audience or the flash of cameras. But that quiet is part of the power. It’s a space to reflect: on a humble man who built a magical place for his fans, on his soaring voice, and on a legacy that continues to shape country music.
If you ever find yourself near Nashville, make the trip out to Gallatin. Pay your respects. Walk the grounds of Twitty City, imagine the lights, the crowds, the garden shows — and remember that behind the legend was Harold Jenkins, a man whose songs were his heart, and whose voice still echoes with feeling.