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Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Auditors
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3, No. 33-00000) of UnumProvident Corporation and
to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 9, 2000
(except for Note 17, as to which the date is March 7, 2000) with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedules of UnumProvident Corporation
included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1999,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Chattanooga, Tennessee
August 15, 2000
