Nashville International Airport will be renamed in honor of country music legend Dolly Parton, following a unanimous vote by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority board of commissioners. The decision marks a significant posthumous honor for the music icon, who passed away on August 25 at the age of 80 after a battle with cancer.
The board voted 6-0 to begin the process of renaming the airport, which will make Parton the first woman to have her name on one of the top 50 busiest airports in the United States. While a final name has not yet been determined, the airport authority stated that they are working with appropriate parties to thoughtfully incorporate Parton's name and legacy. This is considered the first step in a multi-faceted process, with more detailed plans expected in the coming months.
The final name will be decided by airport leaders in conjunction with the Dollywood Foundation, a nonprofit established by Parton in 1988. The airport authority also modified its naming policy, which typically requires individuals to have been deceased for at least two years before their name can be used for airport properties.
This honor comes years after Parton famously declined efforts to commemorate her during her lifetime. In 2021, she publicly requested that a bill to erect a statue of her on Tennessee's Capitol grounds be removed from consideration, stating it was not appropriate at the time. She expressed hope that such an honor might be considered after her passing if she was still deemed deserving.
Parton's sister, Stella Parton, recently commented that she had not received condolences from anyone in Nashville since Dolly's death. Stella suggested this silence might be related to her own social media activism and political commentary, noting that Dolly, while having opinions, was more private about her political stances and a savvy businesswoman.
Dolly Parton, widely known as the Queen of Country, had a career spanning six decades, with hits including "Jolene," "9 to 5," and "I Will Always Love You." Her death followed months of reported health issues, though representatives stated it was due to a brief battle with cancer. She was hospitalized on August 21 with autoimmune and kidney problems before her passing on August 25.