NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A growing movement among fans is calling for Nashville’s airport to be renamed after the legendary country music star Dolly Parton, just a few days after her passing. This initiative has gathered significant support, with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority expressing their backing for the name change.
Originally, fans launched an online petition back in January 2025, advocating for the renaming of Nashville International Airport to honor Parton. Following her recent death, the petition has gained renewed attention, surging to over 155,000 signatures as of Friday. If approved, this change would make Parton the first woman to have her name on one of America’s 50 busiest airports.
Governor Lee has indicated he has already spoken with representatives for Parton about this idea. He stated, “At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favorite daughter and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness.”
Dolly Parton, who grew up in poverty in the Great Smoky Mountains, became an icon whose influence transcended generations and political boundaries. Known for her hit songs like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” she also made her mark in Hollywood with films such as “9 to 5” and “Steel Magnolias.”
Across the U.S., several airports have been named after notable figures, including Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville and John Wayne Airport in California. In 2001, New Orleans’ airport was renamed in honor of jazz legend Louis Armstrong.
Interestingly, most U.S. airports named after individuals honor men. An exception is Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, Arkansas, along with Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport in Atchison, Kansas. Renaming Nashville’s airport to honor Parton could necessitate revisiting the airport authority’s policy, which currently states that individuals must be deceased for at least two years before their names can be used for such honors.
The governor’s proposal and the existing naming policy will be discussed at the airport authority’s meeting scheduled for September 17.
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Bynum reported from Savannah, Georgia.
