Dolly Parton Soars: Nashville Airport to Be Renamed in Iconic Star's Honor

Nashville International Airport is slated for a significant name change, as its governing board has unanimously voted to initiate the process of renaming the facility in tribute to the late country music icon, Dolly Parton. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority board of commissioners cast a 6-0 vote on Friday, September 11, to begin modifying the airport's name to honor Parton, who passed away on August 25 at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer.

While a definitive new name has not yet been established, the authority described the vote as "the first step in a multifaceted process." They confirmed close collaboration with relevant parties to thoughtfully incorporate Dolly Parton’s name and enduring legacy, with more detailed plans expected to be shared in the coming months. The ultimate decision on the final name will be a joint effort between airport leadership and the Dollywood Foundation, the non-profit organization Parton founded in 1988.

A notable aspect of this renaming initiative involved the modification of the airport's existing naming policy. Typically, this policy mandates that airport properties be named after individuals who have been deceased for a minimum of two years. However, the overwhelming support for honoring Parton necessitated an adjustment to this rule.

The movement to rename the airport predated Parton’s death, with a petition advocating for "Dolly Parton International Airport" initially launched in early 2025. This effort gained considerable traction and momentum after her passing, with the petition quickly garnering over 175,000 signatures. The proposal has garnered strong bipartisan endorsement, with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, a Republican, suggesting the change soon after Parton's death, and Nashville's Democratic Mayor, Freddie O’Connell, offering his backing. The city's Metro Council further solidified this support by unanimously adopting a resolution on September 1. Governor Lee remarked that it is "fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favorite daughter" at a place where Tennessee welcomes the world.

A native of Sevier County, Tennessee, Dolly Parton carved out an unparalleled career, becoming one of the most successful and beloved figures in American music. Her seven-decade career saw her sell more than 100 million records globally, achieve Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers like “9 to 5” and “Islands in the Stream” (with Kenny Rogers), and hold the record for the most No. 1s by a woman on the Hot Country Songs chart with 25. Her immense contributions to music were recognized with inductions into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

Beyond her musical prowess, Parton was equally celebrated for her extensive philanthropy. Through the Dollywood Foundation, she established the Imagination Library, a renowned program that has distributed hundreds of millions of books to children worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on literacy and education.