<p>Governor Bill Lee (R-TN) announced a proposal on August 28, 2026, to rename Tennessee's largest airport in honor of Dolly Parton, the singer who passed away earlier that week at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer, according to her family.</p>
<p>A public campaign to rename the Nashville airport began shortly after her death, with a petition to name it the "Dolly Parton International Airport" receiving over 160,000 signatures as of Friday evening.</p>
<p>On the same day, Lee and Nashville International Airport officials proposed the renaming, stating that the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority will discuss the matter on September 17. Lee remarked, "Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state. From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her."</p>
<p>He added, "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."</p>
<p>According to a press release from the governor’s office, Lee spoke with Parton’s team about the proposal, and they expressed that they were touched by the idea and are open to further discussions. The release noted that her team believes Parton had a special way of bringing people together for good, and they hope this tribute can exemplify that legacy.</p>
<p>Doug Kreulen, CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, stated that Parton’s life exemplified the values the airport aims to promote. He said, "She understood that dignity, kindness and opportunity should never be defined by where you come from or your socioeconomic status. At BNA [Nashville International Airport], we share that commitment."</p>
<p>Kreulen further emphasized that all travelers deserve to be welcomed and respected, regardless of their background, stating, "That spirit is what defines BNA and it is a fitting reflection of the values Dolly shared with Tennessee and the world."</p>