Nashville International Airport could soon bear the name of one of Tennessee’s most beloved figures, with state leaders backing a proposal to rename the airport in honor of Dolly Parton.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced Friday that officials are pursuing the change just three days after the country music legend died at 80 following a brief battle with cancer.
Under the proposal, the facility would become Dolly Parton International Airport, creating a permanent tribute her remarkable legacy.
“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Lee said.
“At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favorite daughter and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness.”
Parton’s team has been contacted about the proposal and is reportedly touched by the idea and willing to continue discussions.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport announced Friday their intention to rename the airport in honor of the state’s late superstar, Dolly Parton. The governor will present a proposal before the state-run airport authority at its next meeting on Sept. 17. pic.twitter.com/zJ7NqXxe9H
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 28, 2026
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell also endorsed the change, describing it as the city’s opportunity to offer a “love letter to Dolly.”
The proposal follows a grassroots campaign that began well before Parton’s death.
Tennessee residents Lydia Popovich and Dan Dion launched a petition in January 2025 calling for the airport to be renamed after Parton.
Support surged following her death on Monday, with the petition attracting more than 150,000 signatures by Friday.
🚨 JUST IN: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee will be starting the process of renaming Nashville Airport to DOLLY PARTON International Airport
A VERY well deserved tribute. This should be a unanimous vote with the airport authority.
140,000 people have already signed a petition to make… pic.twitter.com/ZYsxEtJq31
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 28, 2026
Republican state Rep. Todd Warner has also backed the campaign and pledged to introduce legislation supporting the change.
“Dolly was so good to this state. She cared about people,” Warner said.
“What she has done for this state economically, what she’s done for country music.
”Just a great person. We need more Dollys in the world.”
The Metro Nashville Airport Authority is expected to discuss the proposal at its September 17 meeting.
Parton’s influence extended far beyond country music. Her Dollywood theme park became one of Tennessee’s major tourist attractions.
Meanwhile, her Imagination Library has provided hundreds of millions of books to children.
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