Alan Jackson’s “First Love” Back At Country Music Hall Of Fame

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s special exhibition Alan Jackson: 25 Years of Keepin’ It Country, originally scheduled to close in March, has been extended through June 21, 2015.

To celebrate the extension, the museum welcomes the return of Jackson’s cherished ’55 Ford Thunderbird, on display in the Curb Conservatory lobby from Feb. 8 to 16. Jackson began saving money when he was 12 years old and bought the car when he was 15. He restored it with his dad, Gene, and drove it throughout high school. In fact, Denise Jackson, Alan’s wife, agreed to a first date with her future husband because “he owned the coolest car in town.” After the couple married, Jackson sold his dream machine to make a down payment on their first home. Several years later Denise tracked down the car and gave it to Alan as a Christmas gift. The T-Bird served as inspiration for his 2002 song “First Love,” and, in 2008, the car (and Denise) appeared in Jackson’s music video “Good Time.”

“We are thrilled to bring Alan’s ‘first love,’ his 1955 T-Bird, back to the museum,” said Museum Director Kyle Young. “This beautiful car was not only an integral part of Alan and Denise’s love story but the inspiration for one of his songs. Its return is the perfect way to kick-off the exhibit’s extension and celebrate Valentine’s Day.”

To mark the T-Bird’s return and the Jacksons’ incredible love story, the museum is launching the “First Love Getaway” Contest. From today until Feb. 6, fans can share their own first-date stories on the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Facebook page for a chance to win a romantic Valentine’s weekend getaway for two to Nashville. For more information including how to enter and prize details, visit countrymusichalloffame.org.