Nashville Airport May Soon Carry Dolly Parton’s Name

Tennessee plans to honor Dolly Parton by renaming Nashville International Airport, with officials set to review the proposal in September.

A New Honor for Dolly Parton

August 28, 2026 – Dolly Parton could soon have her name attached to one of Tennessee’s most important gateways. Governor Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport announced Friday that they intend to rename the airport in honor of the late country music legend, just days after her death at age 80.

The proposal is not yet final. The Metro Nashville Airport Authority is expected to discuss the idea, along with its existing naming policy, at a September 17 meeting. Parton’s representatives have also been contacted and said they are touched by the proposal and open to continuing the conversation.

Credit: Jim Wright

Why Tennessee Wants to Honor Her

Lee framed the idea as a tribute to Parton’s lifelong connection to Tennessee and her influence far beyond music. Although she was born and raised in East Tennessee, she became one of the state’s most recognizable ambassadors through her songs, business ventures, philanthropy, and decades-long presence in entertainment.

The governor also pointed to the airport’s role as a place where Tennessee welcomes travelers from around the world. Naming it after Parton would connect that international arrival point with an artist whose career became closely associated with the state’s identity and its country music heritage.

The Airport Already Carries a Historic Name

Nashville International Airport is commonly known by its three-letter code, BNA, which comes from Berry Field Nashville Airport. The airport’s current name reflects its history, while the proposed change would add a direct connection to one of Tennessee’s most famous cultural figures.

The airport already has strong ties to Nashville’s music identity. Its presence in Music City means millions of visitors encounter Tennessee through a place where country music is heavily represented, making Parton’s potential inclusion especially fitting for supporters of the proposal.

There Is Already Public Support

The idea did not begin with the governor. A petition calling for the airport to be renamed after Parton was launched in January 2025, and support surged following her death on August 25. More than 157,000 people had signed it by August 28.

The campaign has also received backing from Tennessee lawmakers and singer Sheryl Crow. State Senator Todd Warner has supported legislation connected to honoring Parton, while other officials have publicly promoted the airport idea as a way to recognize her lasting contribution to the state.

Credit: WireImage

Parton’s Team Has Responded

The response from Parton’s representatives has been positive but measured. According to the governor’s office, her team expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support and said they are touched by the proposal while remaining open to further discussions.

That means the renaming effort currently has an important distinction to make: Tennessee officials have announced their intent, but the airport has not yet officially changed its name. The proposal must still move through the appropriate authority and policy process.

The Current Policy Could Be a Hurdle

One of the biggest complications is the Metro Nashville Airport Authority’s existing naming policy. It currently states that airport properties should generally be named for people who have been dead for at least two years.

Because Parton died only days ago, the proposed honor would require the authority to revisit that rule before the renaming could proceed. The September meeting is therefore likely to be an important step in determining whether the policy can be changed or an exception can be considered.

The Move Would Follow Other Named Airports

Airports in the United States have previously been named for prominent entertainers and public figures, although such honors have more often gone to men. Examples include Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, John Wayne Airport, and Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

If Nashville’s proposal is approved, Parton would become the first woman to have her name attached to one of the 50 busiest U.S. airports, according to reporting on the effort. That would give the honor significance beyond Tennessee itself.

Credit: Dylan Hollingsworth/Bloomberg, Neilson Barnard

Her Legacy Goes Beyond Music

Parton’s influence provides much of the argument for the proposed tribute. Her career included major country hits such as “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” along with film roles in 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias. She also built businesses and entertainment properties that helped turn her name into a global brand.

Her philanthropic work has been equally important to her legacy. Through the Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library, she supported children’s literacy on a massive scale, providing hundreds of millions of free books to children around the world.

Nashville Has Other Ways to Remember Her

The airport proposal is only one of several efforts to honor Parton after her death. Tennessee lawmakers have also backed other tributes, including a proposal to designate September 25 as “9 to 5 Day” in recognition of one of her most famous songs.

That broader response reflects the unusual place Parton held in the state’s culture. She was not simply a successful musician from Tennessee; she became part of how the state presented itself to the rest of the world.

What Happens on September 17

The Metro Nashville Airport Authority is scheduled to address both the renaming proposal and its naming policy at its September 17 meeting. That discussion should provide the clearest indication of whether the airport can formally move toward carrying Parton’s name.

Until that happens, travelers should continue referring to the facility as Nashville International Airport or BNA. The proposed new name has not yet been finalized, and officials have not announced a completed rebranding plan.

Credit: Change.org; Kenny Mullins / Wild Porch Foto

A Potentially Lasting Tribute

Renaming a major international airport would be a substantial public honor, particularly for an artist whose career was so closely tied to Tennessee. It would also place Parton’s name in front of visitors arriving from around the country and the world.

For supporters, that visibility is exactly the point. They see the airport as a fitting place to celebrate someone whose music, generosity, and connection to her home state helped make Tennessee recognizable far beyond its borders.

Final Thoughts

Tennessee’s proposal to rename Nashville International Airport for Dolly Parton is gaining momentum after the country icon’s death, with the governor, airport leadership, lawmakers, and thousands of supporters backing the idea. The proposal still faces an important procedural hurdle because of the airport authority’s current two-year naming policy.

The next major step comes September 17, when officials will discuss the proposal. Until then, the airport remains BNA—but the possibility of a Dolly Parton tribute at one of Tennessee’s busiest entry points is very much alive.

FAQs

Will Nashville International Airport be renamed for Dolly Parton?

Tennessee officials have announced their intent to rename the airport for Parton, but the change still requires consideration by the Metro Nashville Airport Authority.

When will the airport renaming proposal be discussed?

The proposal and the airport authority’s naming policy are scheduled to be discussed at the September 17 meeting.

Why does the airport need to revisit its naming policy?

The current policy generally requires a person to have been deceased for at least two years before an airport property can be named in their honor.

How much support does the Dolly Parton airport petition have?

More than 157,000 people had signed the petition calling for the airport to be renamed for Parton as of August 28, 2026.

Why is Dolly Parton being considered for the honor?

Supporters point to her extraordinary music career, deep ties to Tennessee, international cultural impact, and extensive philanthropic work, particularly through the Imagination Library.