Nashville International Airport is progressing toward a name change to honor the late country music icon Dolly Parton. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority voted unanimously, 6-0, to commence the process of modifying the airport’s name. This decision was announced in a statement from the authority.
Although the final name has not been decided, the airport authority is collaborating with relevant parties to incorporate Dolly Parton’s name and legacy thoughtfully. Officials emphasized that this vote is the initial stage of a comprehensive process, with further details expected in the upcoming months.
This vote represents the first step in a multifaceted process. We anticipate sharing more definitive plans for the next steps and implementation in the coming months.
The proposal to pay tribute to Parton at the airport followed after the Tennessee native passed away at age 80 recently. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport had announced plans to rename the airport in Parton’s honor, with Lee expressing that Parton’s team was appreciative of the support and open to further discussions.
A public petition supporting the renaming effort gained traction, with over 155,000 verified signatures calling for the airport to be renamed “Dolly Parton International Airport.” Parton’s contributions to Tennessee were notable, marked by her music career, philanthropy, and the Imagination Library literacy program.
Previously, Parton resisted a proposal to commemorate her with a statue at the Tennessee state Capitol. She requested lawmakers to withdraw the bill in 2021, while expressing gratitude and leaving the door open for future honors. Parton stated:
I am honored and humbled by their intention, but I have asked the leaders of the state legislature to remove the bill from any and all consideration. However, somewhere down the road, several years from now or perhaps after I’m gone, if you still feel I deserve it, then I’m certain I will stand proud in our great state Capitol as a grateful Tennessean.
Jasmine Baeher and Kelly McGreal contributed to this report.
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