Dolly Parton: The New Namesake of Nashville’s International Airport
Nashville’s esteemed international airport is set to carry the name of a country music legend. On September 11, 2026, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s board of commissioners cast a unanimous 6-0 vote to initiate the formal renaming of the Nashville International Airport to honor the late Dolly Parton. The iconic singer-songwriter, who passed away on August 25 at the age of 80 after a short battle with cancer, is poised to become the airport’s new namesake.
This vote signifies the first step in what the authority describes as a “multifaceted process”. The final name is yet to be officially determined. The authority has expressed that it is “working closely with the appropriate parties to thoughtfully determine how Dolly Parton’s name and legacy will be incorporated”. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has been a vocal supporter of the renaming effort, stating that the airport is “a place where Tennessee welcomes the world” and that it is fitting for it to bear the name of “our state’s favorite daughter”.
The renaming initiative has received bipartisan support, including endorsement from Nashville’s Democratic Mayor Freddie O’Connell. A public petition backing the change has gathered over 160,000 signatures. It is expected that the airport’s existing three-letter BNA designation will remain unchanged. More details about the implementation process are expected to be released in the coming months.
Source: NBC News – Board votes to rename Nashville International Airport for Dolly Parton