Torchmark Announces Closing of United Investors Life Insurance Sale

MCKINNEY, Texas, December 31, 2010 - Torchmark Corporation (NYSE: TMK) is pleased to announce that its
subsidiary, Liberty National Life Insurance Company (Liberty) has closed the
sale of its wholly owned subsidiary, United Investors Life Insurance Company
(United Investors), to Protective Life Insurance Company for approximately
$343 million, subject to post-closing adjustments. Prior to closing,
approximately $305 million of assets, at fair value, were distributed from
United Investors to Liberty. The combined total of the purchase price and the
pre-closing distributions to Liberty was approximately $648 million.

The sale of United Investors will provide additional free cash flow to
the parent company of approximately $250 to $320 million in 2011.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch acted as financial advisor to Torchmark.

Torchmark Corporation is a holding company specializing in life and
supplemental health insurance for "middle income" Americans marketed through
multiple distribution channels including direct response, and exclusive and
independent agencies. Torchmark has several nationally recognized insurance
subsidiaries. Globe Life And Accident Company is a direct-response provider
of life insurance known for its administrative efficiencies. American Income
Life provides individual life insurance to labor union members. Liberty
National Life is one of the oldest traditional life insurers in the
Southeast. United American is a consumer-oriented provider of supplemental
life and health insurance.

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the federal securities laws. These prospective statements reflect
management's current expectations, but are not guarantees of future
performance. Accordingly, please refer to Torchmark's cautionary statement
regarding forward-looking statements, and the business environment in which
the Company operates, contained in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2009 and any subsequent Forms 10-Q on file with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and on the Company's website at
www.torchmarkcorp.com on the Investor Relations page. Torchmark
specifically disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking
statement because of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Mike Majors, Vice President, Investor Relations of Torchmark Corporation, +1-972-569-3627, +1-972-569-3282, fax, tmkir at torchmarkcorp.com