The Tennessee couple who struck gold in the historic Powerball drawing on January 13, 2016, became instant millionaires when they won a portion of the breathtaking $1.586 billion jackpot. John and Lisa Robinson, residents of Munford, Tennessee, shared their winning moment on NBC’s “Today” show shortly after the lottery results were announced.
Tennessee Powerball Winners’ Story Unfolds
On January 15, 2016, just two days after the drawing, John and Lisa appeared on live television with hosts Savannah Guthrie and Carson Daly. During the segment, the couple revealed that they had purchased their winning ticket from Naifeh’s Food Market, a local retailer in their small town.
The winning numbers drawn were 4-8-19-27-34, with Powerball number 10. They were among three winning tickets along with winners from California and Florida, each ticket holding a share of the massive prize.
Claiming Their Prize
Although the Robinsons were the first to publicly announce their win, they hadn’t officially claimed their prize until they visited the Tennessee Lottery headquarters later that day. The couple confirmed they chose the lump-sum option, netting just over $327 million after taxes.
- Amount won: $1.586 billion (split among three tickets)
- Tennessee winners’ share: Approximately $327 million after taxes
- Winning ticket purchased at: Naifeh’s Food Market, Munford, Tennessee
The Decision to Go Public
Despite their monumental win, the Robinsons expressed a desire for privacy. They were advised by their attorney, Joe Townsend, to make their announcement on national television. Townsend believed it would help control the narrative surrounding their win and provide reassurance to the public regarding the authenticity of their claim.
During the interview, Savannah Guthrie and Carson Daly engaged with the Robinsons, showcasing their winning ticket and discussing the couple’s plans for their newfound wealth. The couple intended to focus on helping their family and addressing personal expenses, such as paying off loans.
After the Jackpot: Life Changes for the Robinsons
Following their substantial win, the Robinsons purchased a luxurious 10-bedroom home on a sprawling 320-acre property in Tennessee for $6.2 million. This property includes features such as a private lake and a home theater.
While they adjusted to their new status as multimillionaires, they aimed to maintain a level of normalcy. Lisa Robinson, who had worked in a dermatologist’s office, was initially not planning to quit her job. The couple’s focus remained on their family and ensuring their financial stability.
Public and Anonymous Winners
In Tennessee, lottery winners cannot remain anonymous. Thus, John and Lisa’s names and hometown were made public alongside their winnings. This contrasts with some states where winners can keep their identities hidden.
Conclusion
The Robinsons’ story is a testament to how a single ticket can dramatically change lives. Their involvement in the public eye, coupled with their commitment to family and privacy, exemplifies the balancing act faced by large lottery winners.
As one of the winners of the record-setting $1.586 billion Powerball jackpot, the Robinsons continue to inspire hope and excitement in the realm of lottery dreams across the nation.
