Tennessee to name Nashville airport after Dolly Parton

Tennessee plans to rename Nashville International Airport in honor of country music legend Dolly Parton, according to a statement released on Friday. The decision follows her passing at the age of 80 earlier this week. The airport is set to bear Parton's name in recognition of her profound impact on the state.

Governor Bill Lee engaged with Parton's team to discuss the renaming. In a statement, Lee expressed that Parton's life and legacy are deeply intertwined with Tennessee. He noted that the state's welcome to the world aligns perfectly with the enduring legacy of Dolly's music, generosity, faith, and kindness.

The proposal to rename the airport will be discussed at a meeting on September 17. This meeting will also consider the Metro Nashville Airport Authority's current naming policy. Presently, the policy prevents naming any property after an individual who has not been deceased for at least two years. Parton, born on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee, began her music career performing on the Grand Ole Opry at the age of 13.

After graduating from high school, she moved to Nashville to pursue her musical ambitions. Known for hits like "Coat of Many Colors," "Jolene," and "I Will Always Love You," Parton sold over 100 million records and won 11 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award.