[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 21, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H1158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           REMEMBERING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF NATALIE HASLAM

  (Mr. BURCHETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today remembering the life and the 
legacy of a dear lady, Natalie Haslam, who passed away on January 16. 
Natalie set the true example of what it means to be a volunteer. She 
spent her life giving back to our community and the people who are in 
it, and, of course, to our great University of Tennessee.
  Born in 1931, Natalie was raised in Knoxville and graduated from UT 
in 1953. In 1974, she married Jim Haslam, the owner and founder of 
Pilot Company. She is known for her leadership and philanthropy. 
Natalie became the first woman to serve as the chair of the East 
Tennessee Foundation Board in 1987.
  I always remember Ms. Haslam when my dad died. I was at the mortuary, 
actually, with my mama picking out my dad's casket. Big Jim and Natalie 
called me and told me that everything would be all right and if I 
needed anything, just to call. I also remember when Mr. Haslam and I 
would be at events together. She would always shush us and then just 
give us a smile.
  While serving the Knoxville community, her commitments to the 
University of Tennessee remained unmatched. Natalie and Jim through the 
Haslam Foundation donated $32 million to UT with $10 million going 
toward the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center. It is one of the finest 
music centers not just in the State of Tennessee or the country, but 
the world, Mr. Speaker.
  Natalie is survived by her husband, Jim; three granddaughters; three 
stepchildren; six grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. 
She was a true humanitarian. She will always be remembered as someone 
in east Tennessee who gave back to a place where she lived and loved. I 
will always remember her as a very classy lady.

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