Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced Friday that Nashville International Airport (BNA) may be renamed in honor of country music legend Dolly Parton. The proposal is set to be discussed at an upcoming Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) meeting.
Lee stated that Parton's life is "forever woven into the fabric of our state" and that it would be fitting for the airport, which serves as Tennessee's gateway, to bear the name of "our state's favorite daughter." He has reportedly discussed the possibility with Parton's team, who are open to continuing the conversation.
According to The New York Times, a current policy requires a person to have been deceased for at least two years before an airport can be named in their honor. It remains unclear how this policy might be addressed in relation to the proposal.
Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of MNAA, described the airport as "the front door to Music City." He added that Parton's legacy "reminds us that what makes Nashville special is our ability to welcome people from every walk of life."
Prior to the governor's announcement, Tennessee state Rep. Todd Warner (R) had stated his intention to introduce legislation on the matter. Nashville Metro Council member Russ Bradford also sponsored a resolution calling on MNAA to rename the airport.
A Change.org petition advocating for the airport's renaming, which began before Parton's death, has garnered over 156,800 signatures.
The airport is currently honoring Parton by illuminating its parking garages in pink, a display scheduled to continue through the weekend.