Tigirlily Gold performs on the steps of the North Dakota Capitol during the North Dakota Governors’ Cup on July 28, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)
By: Michael Achterling
BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) – North Dakota’s Tourism Department is paying $100,000 to partner with country music duo Tigirlily Gold to promote the state.
Krista and Kendra Slaubaugh, sisters from Hazen, recently debuted a new anthem inspired by North Dakota, “Call It Home,” written in partnership with the North Dakota Department of Tourism.
Officials say the goal is to share Tigirlily Gold’s connection with North Dakota on a national stage.
“I’ve watched these women grow up and seeing them use their platform to celebrate and support our state has been really inspiring,” said Sara Otte Coleman, tourism and marketing director for the North Dakota Department of Commerce in a news release. “We’re super excited to work with them.”
The partnership is a two-year commitment to promote the state that ends on Jan. 31, 2027, according to the Department of Commerce. It included a July 10 performance at North Dakota Country Fest in New Salem, where the duo performed the North Dakota anthem for the first time.
The partnership also included a free performance during the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament in February as part of North Dakota’s Find The Good Life campaign, which aims to attract workers to the state.
Other events may be scheduled in the future, according to the Tourism Department.
“We’ve always dreamed of working with North Dakota Tourism,” the duo said in a news release. “This collaboration is truly full circle, and we’re honored to share what makes our home state so special.”
North Dakota Tourism also has partnered with North Dakota native and actor Josh Duhamel to promote the state. His most recent two-year partnership, which ended in 2024, cost the state $75,000.
“Both Tigirlily Gold and Josh Duhamel have large fan bases and serve as authentic ambassadors for North Dakota, each bringing pride, unique personal connection and platforms that amplify North Dakota’s awareness,” the department said in an email in response to questions. “We are lucky to partner with these influencers to help increase that awareness, as they love to talk about their home state.”
Tigirlily Gold performed an acoustic set, including the new song, on the steps of the Capitol on Monday night to wrap up the first day of the 2025 North Dakota Governors’ Cup, a golf and shooting tournament that raises money for scholarships and student loan repayment.
That event, which included a drone show, was not supported by any state funds, according to the North Dakota Office of Management and Budget. It was organized by North Dakota Governors’ Cup, the nonprofit that puts on the tournament.
Comments