The late Dolly Parton will soon have a new namesake as Nashville International Airport in Tennessee is poised to be renamed in her honor. The decision, approved by the airport’s board of commissioners, gained traction after Parton’s passing at 80 last month. Fans initiated a social media campaign advocating for the airport to bear the name of the renowned country queen, which garnered significant support from Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.
Governor Lee remarked that Dolly Parton’s impactful life is deeply embedded in Tennessee’s essence and that renaming the airport as a tribute to the state’s cherished figure is fitting. He highlighted the enduring legacy of Parton’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness as values that will welcome travelers at a place where Tennessee embraces the world.
Acknowledging the singer’s immense contributions, including the substantial economic boost of around $1.8 billion annually from her Dollywood theme park to the state, Governor Lee emphasized that honoring her legacy through this renaming is pivotal. Parton’s roots in Tennessee, born in Pittman Center in 1946 and raised in a humble cabin in Locust Ridge, played a significant role in her journey to global stardom.
While the renaming process timeline remains uncertain, the current airport policy dictates that properties cannot be named after individuals who have not been deceased for at least two years. The exact name under which the airport will bear Parton’s honor is yet to be determined, with the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority actively collaborating to ensure a thoughtful integration of Dolly Parton’s name and legacy into the airport’s identity.