A Change.org petition to rename Nashville International Airport (BNA) after the late country music superstar Dolly Parton has rapidly surpassed 100,000 signatures. The petition, initially created in January 2025, saw a dramatic increase in support following Parton's death on Tuesday at age 80.
Before her passing, the petition had accumulated approximately 53,000 signatures. In the hours after her family announced her death from a brief battle with cancer, the number of signatories more than doubled. As of Wednesday, the petition had exceeded 100,000 signatures, with thousands of new supporters signing on.
Fellow country music artist Sheryl Crow publicly endorsed the movement, discussing the possibility of renaming the airport during an appearance on Katie Couric's Instagram livestream. "People are talking about trying to get the Nashville airport … changed to the Dolly Parton International Airport,” Crow stated. “I’m like, ‘Yes! I think we should.'”
Tennessee state Representative Todd Warner has also voiced his support, vowing to introduce legislation to rename the airport. "I will definitely introduce legislation to rename the BNA airport Dolly Parton International Airport!" Warner declared in a response on the petition.
Warner had previously attempted to have the airport renamed "Trump International Airport" in January 2025, but that effort failed in a 5-12 vote. He had previously acknowledged that bill "went down in flames" and expressed openness to supporting a change if the opportunity arose, noting he had received numerous emails requesting the airport be dedicated to Parton.
Supporters of the petition highlight Parton's deep roots in Tennessee and her significant impact on music and culture. "Dolly Parton represents the heart of Tennessee and the heart of its music," one signatory wrote. "Naming Nashville International Airport in her honor would welcome visitors from around the world with a name that immediately says welcome! Know we love ya!"
Another supporter commented, "One of the sweetest and dearest singers, and not only that, a role model to so many. Undeniably an icon and after all that she has given us, the least we can do is name something in her honor."