The company tabled the decision on the Ryman's fate, and the building was ultimately saved from demolition, although no active efforts were made to improve its condition. Following the departure of the "Opry", the Ryman sat mostly vacant and deteriorating for nearly 20 years, as the neighborhood surrounding it continued to see the increasing effects of urban decay. However, the building continued to stand with an uncertain future. Despite its regressing condition and the absence of performances, Ryman Auditorium was never shuttered, and it continued to hold such significance as an attraction that it remained open for tours. On August 30, 1979, following a tip from a citizen, the Nashville bomb squad discovered and disarmed a massive car bomb that threatened to damage or destroy a three-block area of downtown Nashville that included the Ryman. A nearby strip club was the actual target. The device was disarmed less than 20 minutes before it was timed to detonate. In September 1983, soon after NLT Corporation was acquired in a hostile takeover bid by American General Insurance, the building was included in the sale of all the WSM and Opryland properties to Oklahoma-based Gaylord Broadcasting Company (which later moved its headquarters to Nashville and was renamed Gaylord Entertainment Company) for . The company's chief executive, Ed Gaylord, became acquainted with many of the "Opry" stars during his involvement with the long-running television series "Hee Haw". His fondness of the "Opry" and friendships with its personalities – particularly Sarah Cannon – are often cited as reasons for his interest in the acquisition. Ryman Auditorium's inclusion in the sale was mostly considered an afterthought, although its new owner made no plans to demolish it, partly due to Mr. Gaylord's appreciation of its history. In 1986, as part of the "Grand Ole Opry" 60th-anniversary celebration, CBS aired a special program that featured some of the "Opry"'s legendary stars performing at the Ryman. While the auditorium was dormant, major motion pictures continued to be filmed on location there, including John Carpenter’s "Elvis" (1979), "Coal Miner's Daughter" (1980 – Loretta Lynn Oscar-winning biopic), "Sweet Dreams" (1985 – story of Patsy Cline), and Clint Eastwood’s "Honkytonk Man" (1982). A 1978 television special, "Dolly and Carol in Nashville", included a segment featuring Dolly Parton performing a gospel medley on the Ryman stage.