Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee revealed a proposal that would name Nashville International Airport, also known as BNA, after Dolly Parton.
“Gov. Lee spoke with Dolly’s team about the proposal this week. Her team expressed their appreciation for the extraordinary outpouring of support to honor Dolly and said they are touched by the idea and open to continuing the conversation,” a press release read.
“In keeping with the way Dolly lived her life, her team believes she still has a special way of bringing people together for good, and they hope this tribute can be another example of that enduring legacy,” it continued.
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Nashville International Airport would be renamed for Dolly Parton under a proposal announced Friday by Tennessee's governor. The effort began two years ago, and @GayleKing talked to Parton about it last year. pic.twitter.com/F4eNpdnmlO
— CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil (@CBSEveningNews) August 30, 2026
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Nashville friends Lydia Popovich and Dan Dion launched a petition on Change.org last year to rename the airport after Parton. Both work in comedy and travel frequently. During a trip through New Orleans, Dion saw Louis Armstrong International Airport and thought Nashville — a city surrounded by music — should have an airport named after a musician. The first person who came to mind was Dolly Parton. After Parton died, support for the petition took off.
Travelers at Nashville International Airport were quick to voice their support.
ADVERTISEMENT“Oh my God, it’s the real OMG. And I support Miss Dolly Parton being the name and title of this wonderful place,” traveler Ariana Hunter said.
Shawn Harper agreed.
“Yeah, she’s a legend for the city for sure,” Harper said.
The support extends well beyond Tennessee’s borders. Stefan Kim, visiting Nashville from Sweden, said he was on board.
“Yeah, I think it’s a great idea,” Kim said.
For Victoria Weise, who was born and raised in East Tennessee, Parton’s death hit close to home.
“I am having a really hard time with her passing. I was born and raised in East Tennessee, and she feels like an extended family member. She’s kind of woven into every part of our lives in East Tennessee, and it’s just been really hard,” Weise said.
Weise said renaming the airport would be a fitting tribute.
“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Lee said.
“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,” he continued.
Parton died at the age of 80 on Tuesday after a brief battle with cancer.
JUST IN: Country Music Legend Dolly Parton Dead At 80 – “Lived In The Light”
ABC News shared further:
Lee's proposal will be addressed at the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority's meeting on Sept. 17.
MNAA President Doug Kreulen said in a statement, "Dolly’s remarkable legacy reminds us that what makes Nashville special is our ability to welcome people from every walk of life. She understood that dignity, kindness and opportunity should never be defined by where you come from or your socioeconomic status."
Kreulen added, "At BNA, we share that commitment. Whether you are boarding a private aircraft or taking your first flight, you deserve to be welcomed, respected and served with the same level of care. That spirit is what defines BNA and it is a fitting reflection of the values Dolly shared with Tennessee and the world.”
