Nashville played host to a star-studded movie premiere Monday night. "Country Strong," starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw was filmed in Nashville and follows a fallen country star as she tries to make her way back to the top.
Paltrow plays Kelly Canter, the country star trying to reenter the industry, while McGraw plays her husband and manager, Ed.
The movie had its world premiere in Green Hills.
"I'm thrilled. I'm really proud of the movie," Paltrow said to reporters outside the Regal Green Hills Cinema.
Paltrow spent several months in Nashville while filming the movie and said she fell in love with the city.
"I really got so into the culture, the stores and the food. It was just great. I mean, I think it's a really special city and I feel really lucky that I got to come and be here," Paltrow added.
Country star, turned actor, Tim McGraw said filming the movie in Nashville was a bonus for him.
"Especially for a movie that's such a heavy movie, to be able to come home and sort of shake all that off is fantastic," McGraw said.
"Country Strong" was shot in Nashville last winter, making music city the back drop for this major motion picture.
Butch Spyridon of the Convention and Visitors Bureau said the attention the movie gives the city will be a very good thing.
"We'll see visitation. We'll see increased awareness and we'll benefit on a lot of levels - probably pick up a few more movies and shows too," said Spyridon.
Country Strong opens in Nashville and Los Angeles on December 22. The movie will be released nationwide on January 7, 2011.
SPECIAL THANK YOU to Pam Stadel for photographs for Moments By Moser / Digital Rodeo
© Moments By Moser Photography * Bev Moser