Nashville Airport May Be Renamed in Honor of Dolly Parton

On August 28, 2026, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced a proposal to rename Nashville International Airport after the late Dolly Parton. This proposal followed the passing of the country music icon due to cancer at age 80.

Lee stated, “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 has already discussed the name change with Parton’s representatives.

The proposal aligns with the wishes of over 157,000 Parton fans who signed an online petition supporting the renaming. The petition has been increasingly popular following Parton’s death, drawing support from Tennessee state Rep. Todd Warner and singer Sheryl Crow.

Nashville Airport already showcases the city’s Music City identity with related attractions such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Grand Ole Opry. It joins other U.S. airports named after famous individuals, including the President Donald J. Trump International Airport in Florida and the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

Born in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dolly Parton became an international icon, known for hit songs like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” and for her roles in films such as “9 to 5” and “Steel Magnolias.”

The name change could necessitate a review of the Metro Nashville Airport Authority’s policy, which currently only allows naming after individuals deceased for at least two years.

The governor’s proposal and existing policy will be considered by the airport authority during their meeting on September 17. Additional efforts to honor Parton include a legislative proposal by Tennessee state Sen. Jessie Seal to designate September 25 as “9 to 5” Day, acknowledging Parton’s famous song.