Tennessee is set to change the name of Nashville International Airport to honor the late country music legend Dolly Parton. The decision follows a social media campaign by fans advocating for the airport to be renamed in tribute to Parton after her recent passing at the age of 80 in Nashville.
Governor Bill Lee engaged with Parton’s team to discuss the renaming of the airport, emphasizing Parton’s significant impact on the state. He expressed that Parton’s legacy of music, generosity, faith, and kindness is deeply intertwined with Tennessee’s identity, making it fitting for Nashville International Airport to carry her name as it welcomes visitors from around the world.
The formal proposal to rename the airport, which currently faces restrictions under the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s naming policy requiring a two-year gap post an individual’s death, will be deliberated at a meeting scheduled for September 17.
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development has thrown its support behind the initiative, recognizing Parton as a pivotal figure in promoting the state’s tourism industry. Commissioner Mark Ezell hailed Parton as a key ambassador for Tennessee, highlighting her role in showcasing the state’s music, landscape, and hospitality to millions of travelers worldwide.
Dolly Parton, born on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee, spent her formative years in a humble one-room cabin in Locust Ridge. Her journey to stardom began at the age of 13 when she made appearances on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Over the years, Parton crafted a remarkable music career, delivering timeless hits like “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You,” solidifying her status as one of the most successful female artists in history with over 100 million records sold and 11 Grammy Awards, including a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.