Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport officials are moving forward with a proposal to rename BNA in honor of Dolly Parton, who died Aug. 25.
The proposal would rename Nashville International Airport as Dolly Parton International Airport, creating a public tribute to the Tennessee born country music icon and philanthropist.
Lee said Parton’s life and influence are deeply connected to Tennessee and described the airport, where the state welcomes visitors from around the world, as an appropriate place to honor her legacy.
Parton’s team expressed appreciation for the public support and said it was touched by the proposal. The team is open to further discussions about the tribute, according to the governor’s office.
A Change.org petition calling for the airport to be renamed was created by Lydia Popovich and Dan Dion in January 2025, months before Parton’s death.
It gained significant momentum afterward and had more than 155,000 signatures by Aug. 28.
State Rep. Todd Warner has also said he plans to introduce legislation supporting the airport name change.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell endorsed the proposal, calling it a “love letter to Dolly.” MNAA President and CEO Doug Kreulen said the tribute would reflect Parton’s values of dignity, kindness and opportunity.
The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s existing naming policy will be considered alongside the governor’s proposal at its scheduled Sept. 17 board meeting.
Tennessee lawmakers are also expected to consider legislation honoring Parton when the General Assembly convenes in January.
