Nashville airport proposed to be renamed for Dolly Parton

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has proposed renaming Nashville International Airport in honor of the late country music legend Dolly Parton. The announcement came just days after Parton's death at the age of 80.

Governor Lee stated that it would be fitting for the airport, which serves as Tennessee's gateway to the world, to bear the name of the state's "favorite daughter." He believes travelers would be greeted by Dolly Parton's enduring legacy of music, generosity, faith, and kindness. Lee has reportedly already discussed the naming idea with representatives for Parton.

This proposal aligns with the wishes of over 157,000 fans who have signed an online petition advocating for the airport's renaming. While the petition has been active for over a year, it gained significant traction following Parton's passing, attracting tens of thousands of new signatures and garnering support from figures like Tennessee state Representative Todd Warner and singer Sheryl Crow.

The Nashville International Airport already celebrates the city's musical heritage with features like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and outposts of the Grand Ole Opry. However, the proposed name change could necessitate a review of the Metro Nashville Airport Authority's current naming policy, which stipulates that airport properties should only be named for individuals who have been deceased for at least two years.

Officials from the governor's office indicated that the proposal and the existing naming policy will be deliberated by the airport authority at their upcoming meeting on September 17. In addition to the airport renaming effort, Tennessee state Senator Jessie Seal has introduced legislation to designate September 25 as "9 to 5" Day, a tribute to Parton's iconic song.

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At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state's favorite daughter and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly's music, generosity, faith, and kindness.