Darius Rucker to serve as South Carolina’s tourism ambassador for 2020

Singer Darius Rucker played during a concert before Sunday's Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. (Chris O'Meara/Associated Press)

Credit: Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Credit: Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Singer Darius Rucker played during a concert before Sunday's Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. (Chris O'Meara/Associated Press)

Country singer Darius Rucker was named an official ambassador for South Carolina for 2020, WCIV reported Monday.

The former frontman for Hootie & the Blowfish, who has embarked on a successful solo career, will work with the state’s Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, the television station reported.

“We’re thrilled with the opportunity to work with a well-known Southern voice to promote South Carolina,” Duane Parrish, director for the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, said in a statement. “Darius Rucker is a homegrown star with a genuine love of his state. His story and talent are attractions themselves. We are looking forward to working with him this year.”

Rucker, 53, is a native of Charleston who is coming off a rousing concert during prerace ceremonies at the Daytona 500 on Sunday. He will share his music and name recognition to help strengthen the state's tourism, WMBF reported. Rucker also will make appearances at major tourism events statewide and will be featured on advertising for the state's DiSCover campaign.

“Whether he’s singing about his hometown or talking about his life experiences, you can tell Darius Rucker is proud of where he’s from,” Parrish said in his statement. “Our partnership is a natural fit.”

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