Dolly Parton’s legacy moves closer to a permanent tribute as Nashville airport commissioners approve the renaming process.
The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to begin renaming Nashville International Airport after the late country music star.
The six-member board approved the move following growing public support for honouring Parton, who died on August 25 at 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
The final name for the airport has not yet been decided. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority said it is working with relevant parties to determine how Parton’s name and legacy will be incorporated.
“We are grateful for the tremendous support and enthusiasm from our community and Dolly’s fans around the world,” the authority said.
“We look forward to sharing additional details as plans are finalized.”
The decision follows a proposal by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, who backed the idea weeks after Parton’s death.
Lee described the singer as “our state’s favorite daughter” and said naming the airport after her would allow travellers to encounter the legacy of her music, generosity, faith and kindness.
Following Friday’s vote, Lee said the decision was “an important step to honour her remarkable legacy,” adding that “Dolly has always helped the world fall in love with Tennessee.”
Parton was born in Tennessee in 1946 and moved to Nashville shortly after graduating from high school in 1964 to pursue her music career.
She went on to become one of country music’s most recognised figures while also building a philanthropic legacy through initiatives including the Dollywood Foundation and its literacy programme.
Support for the airport renaming gained further momentum through a petition launched in January 2025 by Tennessee residents Lydia Popovich and Dan Dion. The campaign has attracted more than 175,000 signatures since Parton’s death.
The renaming process is expected to take further steps before a final name and implementation plan are announced. The airport authority said more details would be released in the coming months.
Dolly Parton was a Tennessee-born country music icon whose decades-long career produced hits including “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.” Beyond music, she was also known for her philanthropy, business ventures and contributions to literacy and education through the Dollywood Foundation.
Ademide Adebayo
Follow us on:
Credit to our Media Partner AriseTV .
