By Nikole Dugger
Staff Writer
Technology has enabled Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley to team up to promote tourism in the Volunteer State.
In the newest commercial from Tennessee’s Department of Tourist Development, the homegrown musicians are seen driving through the state in the 1967 Corvette Stingray from Presley’s film “Clambake.”
“Riding in a convertible with Elvis? What more could a girl ask for,” said Ms. Parton in a statement. “I’m so proud of my Tennessee heritage, and I am thrilled and incredibly honored to be promoting our great state alongside the world’s most legendary superstar.”
A green screen was used to allow Ms. Parton to be digitally placed in the ad, which marks the first time Elvis has digitally appeared with another celebrity for a television commercial.
“This represents a very rare time that EPE has allowed an Elvis film to be digitally altered,” said Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, in a statement. “But we know that Elvis admired Dolly. And no one loved Graceland and Tennessee more than Elvis, so we agreed knowing how proud he would be to welcome the world to visit.”
The commercial may be viewed at http://www.tnvacation.com
E-mail Nikole Dugger at ndugger@timesfreepress.com
