Nashville International Airport may soon carry the name of Dolly Parton, as announced Friday by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the airport. The renowned country singer and philanthropist passed away Tuesday at 80 years old.
The proposal to rename the airport aims to create a lasting tribute to Dolly Parton’s legacy, celebrated across Tennessee and worldwide. This plan will be discussed at the Metro Nashville Airport Authority’s meeting on September 17.
Governor Lee communicated with Parton’s team regarding the proposal and reported their grateful response. He stated, “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.”
A petition to rename the airport after Parton started more than a year before her death and has amassed over 160,000 signatures as of Friday night. It also gained support from a Nashville City Council member and a Tennessee state representative.
Dubbed the “Queen of Country,” Dolly Parton passed away surrounded by loved ones after a brief battle with cancer. Her passing prompted tributes from fans and public figures alike.
Beyond her music, Parton was known for her trademark hairdos, Southern charm, generosity, and wit. She was a shrewd businesswoman and philanthropist, establishing the Dollywood Foundation for property relief and educational programs in East Tennessee, along with Imagination Library, which distributes free books to children worldwide.

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