Nashville International Airport in Tennessee is soon to have a new name in tribute to the late Dolly Parton, as confirmed by the airport’s board of commissioners’ recent vote. This idea was initially proposed last year but gained traction following Parton’s passing at the age of 80. Fans rallied behind a social media campaign to rename the airport after the revered country music icon, receiving support from Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee.
Governor Lee expressed that Dolly Parton’s remarkable life is deeply intertwined with the essence of Tennessee, making it fitting for Nashville International Airport to bear the name of the state’s beloved figure. The decision to rename the airport was hailed as a significant step to honor her enduring legacy and the positive impact she has had on Tennessee’s image globally.
Part of her legacy includes the substantial economic contribution she makes to Tennessee through her Dollywood theme park, estimated at over $1.8 billion annually. Born in Tennessee in 1946, Dolly Parton rose to fame by gracing the Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville at a young age of 13, later moving to the city to pursue her music career.
While the exact timeline for the renaming process remains uncertain, the airport’s current policy mandates a waiting period of two years after an individual’s passing before naming any property after them. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority is collaborating with relevant stakeholders to carefully decide on how Dolly Parton’s name and legacy will be honored at the airport.