Nashville Airport May be Renamed to Honor Dolly Parton

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority has taken the first step towards renaming Nashville International Airport in tribute to the late Dolly Parton. On Friday, the authority’s board voted unanimously, 6-0, to initiate the process. However, the final decision on the exact name and details are still pending.

An official statement from the airport authority highlighted ongoing consultations with relevant parties to incorporate Parton’s name and legacy thoughtfully. They emphasized that this initial vote is just the beginning, with more developments expected in months to come.

The decision follows a previous move to commemorate Parton at the airport, after her death at 80 last month. Back in August, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee expressed intent to honor Parton following discussions with her representatives, who welcomed the notion. Public support has been substantial, with a petition to rename the airport as “Dolly Parton International Airport” amassing over 155,000 signatures.

Throughout her life, Parton maintained strong ties to Tennessee. She was a prominent figure owing to her music career, philanthropic work, and literacy initiative, the Imagination Library. In 2021, she declined an effort to erect her statue at the Tennessee Capitol, though she left open the possibility of such an honor in the future.

Parton expressed humility and gratitude for the proposed statue, requesting state lawmakers to withdraw the legislative bill regarding it. She mentioned, “I hope that someday, if you still feel I deserve it, I will be proud to stand as a grateful Tennessean.”