Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced his backing of a proposal to rename Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton on Friday. The legendary country singer died three days prior at age 80. In a statement, Lee said he and airport leadership aimed to establish a permanent recognition of Parton’s influence and the numerous individuals she inspired throughout her life. He noted having discussed the concept with Parton and her representatives previously, characterizing them as moved by the initiative.
Lee emphasized Parton’s deep connections to Tennessee and the state’s identity, stating that the airport serves as a welcoming gateway for travelers arriving in the region. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority indicated plans to formally consider the proposal at a scheduled meeting on 17 September. Doug Kreulen, the authority’s president, highlighted shared values between the organization and Parton regarding dignity, respect, and equitable treatment regardless of background or economic standing.
The momentum for the name change grew following a small aircraft that towed a promotional banner over the Tennessee state capitol on Friday. A petition supporting the renaming effort accumulated more than 150,000 signatures. Organizers noted the symbolic significance of an airport bearing Parton’s name as an expression of her values of acceptance, kindness, and musical heritage as representative of Tennessee.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell suggested additional tributes to Parton may follow in the city. He referenced Parton’s ongoing development of a hotel and museum project titled SongTeller and positioned a potential airport renaming as the city’s reciprocal acknowledgment of her contributions. Parton requested a private funeral service limited to family members, with no public memorial planned. She will be interred at Nashville’s Woodlawn memorial park and mausoleum beside her husband, Carl Dean.
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