UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

___________________________

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  December 6, 2012

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NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

____________________________

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (615) 890-2020

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

__________________________________

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[  ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[  ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[  ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2 (b))

[  ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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Item 8.01.

Other Events.

NHC issued a press release on December 6, 2012 announcing it will pay a special dividend of $1.00 per common share.  The entire press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 9.01.

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)

Exhibits.

Exhibit No.	Description of Exhibit
99.1	Copy of press release issued on December 6, 2012 by National HealthCare Corporation announcing a special dividend

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Date:

December 6, 2012

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

By:  /s/ Donald K. Daniel

Name: Donald K. Daniel

Title:   Senior VP/Controller

            Principal Accounting Officer