On September 11, 2026, the Metro Nashville Airport Authority board made a significant decision to honor the late Dolly Parton by renaming the Nashville International Airport after her. With a unanimous vote of 6-0, the board announced its intention to begin the renaming process. While the final name has not been finalized, the board confirmed its commitment to collaborate with relevant parties to integrate Parton’s legacy thoughtfully.
The decision follows the death of the renowned singer and Tennessee native at the age of 80, after a private battle with cancer. In 2014, Parton performed at the Glastonbury Festival, which marked one of her many memorable appearances.
Governor Bill Lee proposed the name change, emphasizing how fitting it would be for the Nashville airport to reflect Parton’s enduring influence. He highlighted her contributions through music, generosity, faith, and kindness, making her the state’s cherished icon.
An online petition advocating for the airport’s renaming after Parton amassed over 175,000 signatures as of Friday, demonstrating widespread support. When Parton discussed the petition on “CBS Mornings” in January 2025, she humorously dismissed it as “just a joke” yet expressed her gratitude for the compliment.
Seth Herald captured images of travelers navigating Nashville International Airport, known by the code BNA, which stands for Berry Field Nashville. This code honors Col. Harry S. Berry, as reported by local CBS affiliate WTVF. The name change requires approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, marking another step in the process.
The airport’s board expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community and Parton’s fans globally. Other airports in the U.S. bearing names of famous individuals include the President Donald J. Trump International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, and John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California.
Additionally, efforts in Tennessee to honor Parton extend to legislative moves, such as the one introduced by Tennessee State Senator Jessie Seal, to designate September 25 as “9 to 5” Day, in recognition of Parton’s renowned anthem.
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