The Metro Nashville Airport Authority voted unanimously on Friday to approve renaming Nashville International Airport in honor of the late country music legend Dolly Parton. The decision comes after Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, a Republican, proposed the change shortly after Parton passed away last month at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer.
The vote marks the first formal step in dedicating the airport to the iconic artist, who was born and raised in Tennessee. The final new name will be determined jointly by airport officials and the Dollywood Foundation, the nonprofit organization Parton founded in 1988.
In a statement announcing the proposal, Lee highlighted Parton's deep roots in the state, saying her “extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state.” Parton grew up in a one-room cabin in Sevier County, one of 12 children, and remained a Tennessee resident until her death. Her philanthropy, including the Imagination Library and college scholarship programs, has had a significant impact across the Volunteer State.
“From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her,” Lee wrote. “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.”
The renaming effort had grassroots support well before Parton's death, with a petition that gathered more than 175,000 signatures. The airport board's action now paves the way for the official designation, which will likely involve signage updates and other logistical changes. This move comes as airports nationwide face evolving security and operational challenges, from new TSA gate-access pilots to broader debates over surveillance measures.
Parton's sister, Stella Parton, voiced enthusiasm for the renaming in an interview with CBS News’s Gayle King this week, joking that the state should be renamed the “United States of Dolly Parton.” Her comments appeared to take a swipe at President Trump’s recent push to rename geographic features like Lake Ontario and New Mexico, reflecting the politically charged atmosphere around naming decisions.
While the airport board's vote is a key milestone, the final name must still be formally adopted, and officials have not yet announced a timeline for the change. The renaming is expected to be a major draw for tourism, potentially boosting the airport's profile as a gateway to Music City.
The decision also highlights the enduring legacy of Parton, who was not only a global music icon but also a beloved figure in Tennessee politics and culture. Her contributions to education and literacy have made her a unifying figure in a deeply divided political landscape, and the airport renaming serves as a bipartisan tribute to her impact.
As the process moves forward, airport officials will work with the Dollywood Foundation to determine the exact wording of the new name and any associated branding. The change is likely to be celebrated by fans and Tennesseans alike, cementing Parton's place in the state's history.
