Tennessee governor plans to name Nashville airport after Dolly Parton

August 28, 2026

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has announced his intention to rename Nashville International Airport after country music legend Dolly Parton, who recently passed away from cancer at age 80. The proposal follows an online petition that garnered nearly 160,000 signatures, originally launched in January 2025 but gaining renewed support after Parton's death. The renaming initiative requires approval from the Metro Nashville Airport Authority board, which has scheduled a September 17th meeting to discuss the matter, as well as final authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Who is affected

Dolly Parton's team and the Dolly Parton Foundation
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee
The Metro Nashville Airport Authority board
Travelers using Nashville International Airport
Tennessee residents and Dolly Parton fans who signed the petition (nearly 160,000 signatures)
A lawmaker planning to introduce related legislation

What action is being taken

Governor Bill Lee has announced plans to name the airport after Dolly Parton
The Metro Nashville Airport Authority board is holding a meeting on September 17th to discuss the issue
Nearly 160,000 people have signed an online petition supporting the renaming

Why it matters

This matters because it honors the legacy of an iconic cultural figure whose life and work are deeply connected to Tennessee's identity. Naming Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton would allow the state to celebrate her contributions to music, philanthropy, and culture at a location where Tennessee "welcomes the world," ensuring her enduring impact on generosity, faith, and kindness greets travelers from across the globe.

What's next

The Metro Nashville Airport Authority board will hold a meeting on September 17th to consider the renaming proposal
The Federal Aviation Administration must provide final approval for the name change
A lawmaker plans to introduce legislation in the state legislature to rename the airport in Parton's honor

Read full article from source: BBC