Nashville International Airport may soon bear the name of Tennessee’s celebrated icon, Dolly Parton. The announcement from the governor and the airport arrived Friday following the beloved country legend’s passing earlier this week. Dolly Parton, who was from rural Tennessee, passed away at 80 years old on Tuesday.
A joint news release from Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and the airport highlighted the intent to rename it in Dolly’s honor. This gesture aims to serve as a lasting tribute to her significant legacy and the countless people she inspired both in Tennessee and worldwide. The Metro Nashville Airport Authority plans to discuss the renaming proposal in their upcoming meeting on September 17.
Governor Lee shared that he conferred with Parton’s team about the proposal, who expressed their gratitude. He stated, “Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is deeply connected to our state’s history. Journeying from the mountains of East Tennessee to global fame, Dolly embodied the Volunteer Spirit. Renaming the Nashville airport after our beloved state figure will continue her legacy of music, generosity, faith, and kindness.”
The renaming proposal is slated for review at the Metro Nashville Airport Authority meeting on September 17.
A public petition to rename the airport in honor of Parton began more than a year prior to her passing. It has amassed over 160,000 signatures by Friday evening, earning support from a Nashville City Council member and a Tennessee state representative.
Known as the “Queen of Country,” Dolly Parton died surrounded by her loved ones after a brief cancer battle. The news reverberated across the nation and the world, inspiring grieving tributes from fans, celebrities, and politicians. Beyond her music, Dolly Parton was renowned for qualities like her distinctive blonde hairstyles, Southern charm, astute wit, boundless generosity, and kind heart.
She excelled as a businesswoman and was a committed philanthropist. Dolly founded the Dollywood Foundation to aid property relief and educational projects in East Tennessee. Furthermore, her Imagination Library initiative distributes free books to children globally.