Tennessee governor proposes renaming Nashville airport in honour of Dolly Parton

Parton's representatives have been approached about the proposal and said they are touched by the idea and open to continuing discussions. The proposal has also received support from airport leadership, which described Parton as a figure whose legacy reflects Nashville's welcoming spirit.

The proposal would not immediately change the airport's name. The. Metro Nashville Airport Authorityis scheduled to consider the proposal and its existing naming policy at a meeting on.

September 17. That policy could present an obstacle because it currently states that airport properties should generally only be named after people who have been dead for at least two years. Parton died on.

August 25, meaning the authority would need to revisit its rules if it chooses to approve the tribute. The proposal follows a grassroots campaign to put Parton's name on the airport. An online petition launched in 2025 gained renewed momentum following her death, attracting more than 150,000 signatures.

Supporters have argued that naming Nashville's major international gateway after Parton would recognise her enormous contribution to Tennessee's cultural identity. Parton, who was born in East Tennessee, became one of the world's most recognisable entertainers after moving to Nashville and building a career spanning music, film, television and business.

Her influence also extended well beyond entertainment through philanthropic initiatives including the. Dollywood Foundationand. Imagination Library, which has distributed nearly 200 million free books to children.

If approved, the proposed renaming would give Nashville's main airport a permanent connection to one of Tennessee's most celebrated cultural figures. The final name and whether the airport's existingBNAdesignation would change have yet to be determined.