Tennessee governor moves to rename Nashville airport after Dolly Parton

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Tennessee Gov Bill Lee and the Nashville International Airport authority, on Friday, August 28, announced plans to consider renaming the airport in honor of Dolly Parton, proposing a permanent tribute to the country music legend and Tennessee native.

Lee’s team has already discussed the idea with Parton’s representatives, who said they were touched by the proposal and open to further discussions.

The Nashville airport’s governing authority is expected to take up the proposal next month.

Officials propose renaming airport for Dolly Parton

The proposal would give Nashville International Airport, known as BNA, a name tied to one of Tennessee’s most recognizable cultural figures.

Lee, in a statement, said the airport was an appropriate place to honor Parton because it serves as a major gateway to Tennessee and welcomes travelers from around the world.

He pointed to her journey from rural East Tennessee to international fame and her long association with the state.

Parton was born in Sevier County, Tennessee and built a career spanning music, film, television, and business.

Her influence has also extended into philanthropy, particularly through the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library, which has distributed hundreds of millions of books to children.

Parton’s representatives have not rejected the idea. Instead, her representatives have expressed appreciation for the public support surrounding the tribute effort.

Airport leadership backs plan

The airport’s leadership also backed the idea, with Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority President and CEO Doug Kreulen describing Parton’s legacy as closely connected to Nashville’s identity and its tradition of welcoming visitors.

Kreulen said BNA serves travelers from all backgrounds and argued that the values Parton has represented throughout her career, including kindness, dignity and opportunity, fit with the airport’s role in the community.

The proposed name change is not yet final. 

Under the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s current naming policy, the proposal will be considered at the authority’s scheduled meeting on Thursday, September 17. 

Further details about the potential name and the process are expected in the coming weeks.

The proposal comes as Tennessee continues to honor Parton following her death.

The singer died August 25 at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer, according to her representatives.