Tennessee is planning to change the name of Nashville International Airport to honor the legendary country music icon, Dolly Parton, following her passing at the age of 80. This decision follows a social media campaign initiated by fans to pay tribute to Parton after her recent demise. Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee engaged with Parton’s team to discuss this renaming, emphasizing that Parton’s remarkable life is deeply ingrained in the state’s history.
The proposal to rename the airport will be discussed at a meeting scheduled for September 17 in accordance with the current Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s naming policy, which typically requires a two-year gap after an individual’s passing before any property can be named after them. The move to rename the airport is supported by Tennessee’s Department of Tourist Development, with Commissioner Mark Ezell acknowledging Parton as a significant figure in promoting Tennessee’s tourism and culture worldwide.
Dolly Parton, born on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee, and raised in a modest cabin in Locust Ridge, began her musical journey at a young age. Her iconic songs like “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You” have solidified her status as one of the best-selling female artists in history, with over 100 million records sold. Parton’s legacy extends beyond her music, as she also received numerous accolades, including 11 Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award.