Cinema VinesNashville is poised to honor one of Tennessee’s most iconic figures by renaming its main airport after the late country music legend Dolly Parton. Three days after Parton’s death at age 80, Governor Bill Lee announced the proposal, citing the singer’s deep ties to the state and her lasting legacy.
The governor, together with officials from the Nashville International Airport, released a joint statement on Friday outlining the intent to initiate the renaming process. Lee described Parton as “Tennessee’s favorite daughter,” noting that the airport would serve as a fitting tribute to her life and work.
Parton, born in rural Tennessee and later a Nashville resident, earned 10 Grammy Awards and sold 100 million records worldwide. Her catalog includes classics such as “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You.” The announcement came after a petition launched last year—originally sparked by a proposal to name the airport after former President Donald Trump—gained momentum following Parton’s passing.
Officials said Parton’s team is aware of the proposal and supports ongoing discussions about the name change. The singer’s long‑standing connection to the state through music and philanthropy—particularly her Dollywood Foundation and the Imagination Library—was highlighted as part of the rationale.
Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, emphasized how Parton’s legacy aligns with Nashville’s welcoming spirit. He remarked that “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.”
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell also voiced support, recalling Parton’s plans for a hotel and museum in the city. He suggested the airport could become another venue to honor her, noting, “Now it’s our turn to share a love letter to Dolly, by renaming Nashville International Airport to Dolly Parton International Airport in Nashville.”
The proposed name change will be discussed at the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s meeting scheduled for September 17. The decision will ultimately determine whether the state’s largest gateway will carry the name of one of its most beloved cultural icons.
