Tennessee governor plans to name Nashville airport after Dolly Parton

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has announced his intention to rename Nashville International Airport in honor of the late country music icon Dolly Parton. The decision follows Parton's passing earlier this week after a battle with cancer. The move comes after a significant public campaign, with thousands of fans signing an online petition to honor the beloved singer.

Tennessee Governor Lee met with Parton's representatives, who expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support to pay tribute to the state's favorite daughter. The governor highlighted Parton's enduring impact on the state, emphasizing the airport's role in welcoming travelers and celebrating Dolly's legacy through music, generosity, faith, and kindness.

The online petition, initially launched in January 2025, saw nearly 160,000 signatures by the time of the announcement. The Dolly Parton Foundation has been approached for further comment. The renaming process requires approval from the Metro Nashville Airport Authority board, scheduled to discuss the matter on September 17, followed by the Federal Aviation Administration.

A state lawmaker has also promised to introduce a bill to officially rename the airport in Parton's name. Several US airports, such as Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, have been named after influential musicians and celebrities. Notably, Dolly Parton achieved 10 Grammy awards and sold over 100 million records worldwide, with iconic hits including "Coat of Many Colors," "9 to 5," "Jolene," and "I Will Always Love You."