Tributes soar as Dolly Parton dominates streaming charts worldwide following her passing

The Tennessee governor, Bill Lee, announced on Friday that Nashville International Airport could be renamed in honor of country music legend Dolly Parton, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80. The proposal comes just days after Parton's death and follows an online petition signed by over 164,000 fans, with thousands more signing since her passing.

Lee stated that the airport, which already has a strong country music presence, should bear the name of Tennessee's favorite daughter to welcome travelers with her enduring legacy of music, generosity, faith, and kindness.

Support for the renaming effort includes Tennessee state Representative Todd Warner and singer Sheryl Crow. Parton herself expressed appreciation for the idea but had previously described it as "just a joke" in an interview with CBS Mornings in January 2025. The Nashville International Airport currently features a strong country music presence, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Grand Ole Opry.

Naming U.S. airports after performers, politicians, or athletes is not uncommon, with examples such as the President Donald J. Trump International Airport in Florida and the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. When the Metro Nashville Airport Authority meets on September 17, they will discuss the proposal and how it aligns with the current policy that requires namesakes to have been deceased for at least two years.