A proposal to rename Nashville's airport in honor of Dolly Parton has gained support from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. The discussion regarding the name change is expected to take place at the authority's meeting next month.
The initiative to rename Nashville International Airport for Parton began with an online petition started by fans in January 2025, which has since garnered over 155,000 signatures following her recent death. If approved, this would make Parton the first woman to have her name on one of America's 50 busiest airports.
Governor Lee stated that he has already spoken with representatives for Parton about the proposal, emphasizing that it is fitting for the airport to honor Tennessee's notable figure. He remarked, "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."
Parton, who passed away at the age of 80, was known for her significant contributions to music and film, including hits like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You," as well as her roles in movies such as "9 to 5" and "Steel Magnolias."
Currently, many U.S. airports are named after prominent figures, predominantly men, with exceptions such as Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport in Atchison, Kansas.
Renaming the Nashville airport may require a revision of the authority's policy, which stipulates that individuals must be deceased for at least two years before their names can be used for airport properties. The governor's proposal and the existing naming policy will be discussed at the airport authority's meeting on September 17.