A $ 198 million winning ticket sold in Hendersonville, Tennessee

The word spread quickly.

Lottery players at the Exxon station on John Cash Parkway thought about crossing each other on Sunday morning.

"Whoever it is, I hope they're in need," said 53-year-old Jay Barber. "I hope this is not one of the people owning a $ 3 million home on the lake."

A $ 198 million winning lottery ticket was purchased in Hendersonville, Tennessee, lottery officials said Sunday.

The Powerball numbers were drawn Saturday night and the jackpot winner's ticket matched the six numbers. The lottery officials did not specify where the ticket was purchased. Sunday afternoon, the winner had not come yet.

"Someone's going to be very happy," said Cindy Johnson, 42, an Exxon troubleshooter employee. Although she is not playing, Johnson has imagined how it would be to earn so much money.

"Many people need help," she said. "I'll take care of my mother, my friends."

Johnson said that she would give a good chunk to a charity and that she would buy her own home. At this moment she is renting.

According to the Tennessee Lottery, it was the seventh time anyone from Tennessee was buying a ticket with all matching numbers. Powerball is played across multiple states.

Barber returned Sunday a few tickets to win to scratch. If he won a big jackpot, he said he would repay his debts, donate a lot to charity and pay school fees for his daughter and grandchildren.

"But I'm not a lucky guy," he says. Barber was at the convenience store on Saturday, thinking to buy a ticket, but decided not to do it.

Officials say the winner must sign the back of the ticket, put it in a safe place, talk to a financial advisor and call the lottery headquarters in Nashville. The winner has six months to claim the prize.

Reach Mike Reicher at [email protected] or 615-259-8228 and on Twitter @mreicher.

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