Nashville International Airport is set to begin the process of being renamed in honour of Dolly Parton after its governing board voted unanimously to pursue the change.
The Metro Nashville Airport Authority board voted 6-0 on Friday, although officials stressed that a final name has not yet been decided.
“We are working closely with the appropriate parties to thoughtfully determine how Dolly Parton’s name and legacy will be incorporated,” the airport authority said in a statement.
The vote came weeks after Parton, a Tennessee native and legendary singer, died aged 80 following a private battle with cancer.
Tennessee governor Bill Lee had proposed the change, saying it would be fitting for the airport to “bear the name of our state’s favorite daughter and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith and kindness.”
A petition calling for the airport to be renamed after Parton was launched more than a year before her death and had gathered more than 175,000 signatures by Friday.
When asked about the proposal during an interview in January 2025, Parton said she had thought the idea was “just a joke”. She added: “I’m very flattered. But it’s a nice compliment, and I appreciate it. I’ve been blessed.”
Any name change would require approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. The airport’s existing code, BNA, stands for Berry Field Nashville and honours Colonel Harry S. Berry.
The airport board said: “We are grateful for the tremendous support and enthusiasm from our community and Dolly’s fans around the world.”
Other proposals to honour Parton in Tennessee include legislation to designate September 25 as “9 to 5” Day, named after one of her best-known songs.
