Tennessee plans to rename Nashville airport after Dolly Parton

Tennessee plans to honor country music legend Dolly Parton by renaming Nashville International Airport in her name. Governor Bill Lee confirmed the intention, stating Parton's life is "forever woven into the fabric of our state."

"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,” Lee said in a statement. The move comes after a significant social media campaign by fans advocating for the airport to be renamed in her honor. Governor Lee has reportedly spoken with Parton's team about the proposed change.

However, the renaming faces a procedural hurdle. The current Metro Nashville Airport Authority policy prohibits naming any property after a person who has not been deceased for at least two years. This policy will be addressed at an upcoming meeting on September 17. Parton, a Tennessee native, rose to fame from humble beginnings, becoming one of the best-selling female artists of all time with numerous hit songs and 11 Grammy Awards.

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Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state. 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.