American National (ANG-PB) 10-K 2016 FY Annual report

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about the date hereof (the "Report"), I, John M. Matovina, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;

and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:	February 27, 2017	By:	/s/ JOHN M. MATOVINA
			John M. Matovina, Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer)