The 40-year-old "Sweet Home Alabama"
actress-turned-lifestyle entrepreneur, who hails from Nashville, Tennessee, has been celebrated by the publication's editors for her Draper James clothing and home collection, applauding the star for prioritising "made-in-America, made-in-the-South products".
They notified Witherspoon of her inclusion in the annual list via Twitter, to which she exclaimed, "Such an honor!!! Thanks @Southern_Living! @draperjames #SouthernPride".
Country legend Dolly Parton was also recognised for her continued philanthropy work with Imagination Library, which provides free books to underprivileged kids, and the success of her biographical TV movie, Coat of Many Colors, which became a huge hit with viewers in December last year.