Greek-American actress and singer Rita Wilson has left her fans in a playful frenzy with her latest social media post, blurring the lines between the ancient city of Athens and the Athens of the South, Nashville, Tennessee.
In a social media post that’s been sparking a mix of amusement and intrigue, Wilson, who is set to perform at the Nashville Symphony this Saturday, March 8, 2025, shared a cheeky comparison between the iconic Parthenon in Athens and its counterpart in Nashville, built in 1897.
“Where am I Athens?? Or…..some other Parthenon?!?” the actress captioned, followed by the revealing comment, “This is Nashville people! The Athens of the South! Built in 1897.”
For Greeks, the notion of a “Parthenon” in Nashville might sound a bit puzzling, but it turns out the U.S. city is home to a full-scale replica of the original monument – a stunning recreation of the Parthenon that stands proudly in Centennial Park. It’s become a symbol of Nashville’s cultural aspirations, and clearly, Rita couldn’t resist sharing the fun with her global fanbase.
To make the comparison even more interesting, Wilson pointed out the original Parthenon, which dates back to 447 B.C., with a wink and a nod to the incredible history it represents. She ended her post with a Greek phrase, OLI Mazi – “All Together” – and an invitation to her Nashville Symphony show.
She also posted this behind-the-scenes photo from the unforgettable performance at “Desmond Child Rocks the Parthenon 🏛️ A Night of Music Hits, Gods, Art & Magic” in June 2023. The star-studded event featured legendary performers including Alice Cooper, Bonnie Tyler, Sakis Rouvas, The Rasmus, George Lembesis, Kip Winger, Chris Willis, Tabitha Fair, Justin Benlolo, and Andreas Carlsson, as they rocked the iconic Parthenon with Desmond Child’s mega-hit songs.
Wilson’s post has sparked a wave of excitement from Greek followers, who are clearly eager to see if their beloved Parthenon will make an appearance in her upcoming concert. As Rita Wilson promises a night full of music and cultural fusion, it looks like both Athens and Nashville will be “All Together” on March 8th!
So, if you’re in Nashville this weekend, remember: you might not be in Athens, but you’re certainly in the “Athens of the South.” And who knows? Rita Wilson’s performance might just make you feel like you’re getting a taste of both worlds.
