Tennessee is considering renaming Nashville International Airport (BNA) in honor of country music icon Dolly Parton. Governor Bill Lee has reportedly spoken with Parton's representatives about the proposal, which aims to further cement her legacy within the state.
"Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state," Governor Lee stated. "From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her." He added that it would be fitting for the airport, where "Tennessee welcomes the world," to bear the name of its "favorite daughter" and greet travelers with the essence of Parton's music, generosity, faith, and kindness.
Parton's representatives have expressed appreciation for the gesture and are open to the idea, according to a press release from the governor and the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. The potential renaming has gained significant traction, with a Change.org petition titled "Rename Nashville International Airport to Dolly Parton International Airport" garnering over 163,000 signatures since its launch in January 2025.
The movement has also attracted support from state officials. State Representative Todd Warner has indicated his intention to introduce legislation to support the renaming. Nashville Council member Russ Bradford has also pledged to sponsor a resolution urging the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority to consider the change.
The proposal is scheduled to be discussed at the Metro Nashville Airport Authority's upcoming meeting on September 17.
Parton, who passed away at age 80 on Tuesday, had a career marked by significant philanthropic efforts. She distributed hundreds of millions of books to children through her Imagination Library initiative and donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in April 2020, contributing to research that aided in the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, confirmed her death, stating she was admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center with autoimmune and kidney problems and later had a brief battle with an undisclosed form of cancer.
