Ep 7. Trisha Yearwood

Trisha Yearwood, the multi-platinum recording artist, takes a journey into her ancestry on the seventh episode of the fourth season of the hit television series, Who Do You Think You Are? Yearwood, who is known for her contributions to country music and her culinary prowess, embarks on an emotional journey to discover her roots and learn about the people who came before her.

Yearwood starts her journey in Monticello, Georgia, where she visits the gravesite of her paternal grandfather, who was a World War I veteran. She meets with a genealogist who helps her research her family history, and she discovers that her grandfather was orphaned at an early age and raised by a woman who was not his biological mother. Yearwood digs deeper and learns that her natural great-grandmother was a white woman, and her great-grandfather was an African American man. As Yearwood reflects on her own biracial heritage, she gains a deeper appreciation of the struggles and triumphs of her ancestors.

Next, Yearwood travels to Nashville, Tennessee, where she explores her maternal ancestry. She visits the graves of her great-grandparents and learns that her great-grandmother was a seamstress who worked for wealthy families in Nashville. Yearwood also discovers that her great-grandfather was a farmer who lived in poverty and struggled to provide for his family. As she connects the dots of her family history, Yearwood feels a sense of gratitude for the opportunities that she has had and a sense of responsibility to carry on her family legacy.

In a poignant moment, Yearwood visits her mother, Gwen, who has Alzheimer's disease, and shares with her the discoveries that she has made about their family history. Yearwood expresses her desire to honor her ancestors and keep their stories alive for future generations. Through tears, Yearwood and her mother connect over the shared experiences of their family, and they find comfort in the knowledge that they are not alone in their struggles.

Yearwood's journey takes her to the National Archives in Washington, D.C., where she uncovers the stories of her ancestors who fought in the Civil War and World War I. She is moved by the courage and sacrifice of these brave men and women, and she feels a deep sense of pride in her family's contributions to American history.

Finally, Yearwood travels to Birmingham, Alabama, where she meets with her cousin, Russell, who has done extensive research on their family tree. Together, they visit the sites where their ancestors lived and learn more about the lives that they led. As Yearwood reflects on her journey, she realizes that her ancestors' stories are a part of her own story, and she feels a sense of connection to her family that she never knew was possible.

Trisha Yearwood's journey on Who Do You Think You Are? is a powerful reminder of the importance of knowing where we come from and understanding the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us. As Yearwood discovers her family's history, she gains a deeper appreciation of her own identity and a sense of purpose to carry on her family's legacy.