The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority voted 6-0 on Friday to formally begin the process of renaming Nashville's airport in honor of Dolly Parton, moving what had once seemed like a fanciful idea significantly closer to reality.
No final name has been chosen, though Dolly Parton International Airport is widely viewed as the obvious front-runner. In a statement following the vote, the Authority said: "While a final name has not yet been determined, we are working closely with the appropriate parties to thoughtfully determine how Dolly Parton's name and legacy will be incorporated. This vote represents the first step in a multifaceted process. In the coming months, we anticipate having more definitive plans to share regarding the next steps and implementation. We are grateful for the tremendous support and enthusiasm from our community and Dolly's fans around the world. We look forward to sharing additional details as plans are finalized."
The proposal predates Parton's death in August. Asked about the idea in a January 2025 interview with the Tennessean, conducted amid development of her forthcoming Broadway musical, Parton didn't take it too seriously. "I think that's probably more of a joke than anything," she said. "I mean, it does sound like a lot of fun to say: 'Your flight is departin' from Nashville's D. Parton.'"
Public enthusiasm has been substantial, with more than 175,000 people signing a Change.org petition in favor of the change. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell have also voiced support. In late August, Lee said in a statement: "From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her. 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's estate has not publicly commented on whether it supports the change. The singer has not always embraced government tributes; in 2021, she personally blocked a state legislator's proposal to erect a statue of her outside the Tennessee capitol.
A rebrand of the airport and its facilities would carry considerable cost, though one thing would stay the same regardless of the outcome: the airport's BNA three-letter code would remain unchanged.
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