Yes you are correct it came from that area
" persimmon tree was named by Jerry Lehman after a visit to Dollywood in Tennessee. This tree produces large, flavorful persimmons that are 2.5 inches wide. It has a spreading growth habit and is grafted onto American persimmon rootstock "
You might wonder why was he in dollywood? He was visiting Bill Owens.
“This Persimmon tree was named by the Late Jerry Lehman while on a trip to visit Bill Owens in Dollywood Tenn. It produces large flavorful persimmon fruit 2.5 inches wide and has a spreading growth habit, making a large canopy with drooping branches. Heavy producer. Grafted onto American Persimmon rootstock.”
Here is more on American persimmons