Tennessee officials have announced their intention to rename Nashville International Airport in honor of Dolly Parton following the country music icon’s recent passing. Governor Bill Lee and the Metro Nashville Airport Authority have jointly proposed the initiative, with a meeting scheduled for September 17 to discuss implementation details.
In his statement, Governor Lee praised Parton’s significance to the state, noting that her journey from rural East Tennessee to international recognition exemplified the values Tennessee holds dear. Airport Authority leadership echoed this sentiment, describing the facility as Music City’s front door and emphasizing that Parton’s legacy of dignity and compassion aligns with the institution’s mission to welcome visitors from all backgrounds.
If approved, Parton would become only the second American musician to have an airport named after them, following Louis Armstrong in New Orleans. She would also make history as the first woman to receive this honor at a U.S. airport. The current airport code BNA, derived from the facility’s original name Berry Field and Nashville Airport, may or may not change pending the final decision.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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