Tim Burchett: “Today, I rise to recognize my friend, the legendary musician, American, and east Tennessean, Kenny Chesney. Today is his…”

“Today, I rise to recognize my friend, the legendary musician, American, and east Tennessean, Kenny Chesney. Today is his birthday, Mr. Speaker, and I can't think of a more fitting birthday present for Kenny than the announcement that he will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He was born in Knoxville. Kenny is a graduate of Gibbs High School, which is not a mile from my house, where he had a storied career in baseball and football. He went on to graduate from East Tennessee State University, Mr. Speaker. Kenny has cemented himself in American history with his timeless hits. While I know the accolades mean very little to a man of his character, I am going to name a few of them anyway. Kenny has won four Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year awards. He has had 33 number one hits and has been nominated for multiple Grammys. I wish Kenny a happy birthday. I congratulate him on his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. I thank him for making east Tennessee proud. I will always remember the first time he won Country Music Entertainer of the Year. He took his momma up on stage. I thought that was pretty cool. His dad, Dave, was a teacher at Bearden Junior High School where I attended. His whole family has just been wonderful to me. ____________________”