Following the passing of beloved country music star Dolly Parton, a significant campaign has emerged seeking to rename Nashville International Airport in her honour. Parton, who died on August 25 at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer, has left an indelible mark on the state of Tennessee through her music and philanthropy.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced plans to honour Parton on August 28, just a few days after her death. He stated that both the airport and Parton’s team are receptive to discussions about the name change. “Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Lee remarked. “At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favourite daughter.”
The proposal has been met with widespread support, including from Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who noted that Parton was actively involved in creating a hotel and museum in Nashville—a project she referred to as her “love letter” to the city. O’Connell emphasized the importance of renaming the airport as a tribute to Parton’s legacy, stating, “Now it’s our turn to share a love letter to Dolly.”
In a noteworthy development, the campaign to rename the airport was originally launched in January 2025 by local residents Lydia Popovich and Dan Dion. Upon Parton’s passing, the petition gained substantial traction, quickly amassing over 150,000 signatures. Officials have indicated that the Metro Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) will discuss the proposal during a meeting scheduled for September 17. Further details regarding the naming process are expected to unfold in the coming weeks.
Adding to the campaign’s visibility, a plane towing a banner bearing the message “Change.org/DollyPartonAirport” flew over Nashville’s downtown area on the same day as the announcement. This aerial display underscored the growing momentum behind the petition, which advocates for the airport’s rebranding to Dolly Parton International Airport.
The growing support has caught the attention of several notable figures, including musician Sheryl Crow, who expressed enthusiasm for the idea during a recent interview. Crow, who collaborated with Parton on the song “You’re No Good” in 2023, declared her support for renaming the airport, stating, “I think we should.”
Various officials have also joined the campaign, with Republican Tennessee State Representative Todd Warner voicing his intent to introduce legislation to facilitate the name change. Warner highlighted Parton’s contributions to the state and noted, “What she has done for this state economically, what she’s done for country music—she cared about children… Just a great person. We need more Dollys in the world.”
While the renaming process may incur costs related to signage and branding updates, Warner reassured that the state has the financial capacity to undertake such changes, referencing a reported revenue surplus of $1.2 billion. Additionally, Nashville Metropolitan Council member Russ Bradford has reached out to board members of the Airport Authority to push for the initiative, though he acknowledged that final approval rests with the board and must also comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
Currently, Nashville International Airport operates under the code BNA, which stands for Berry Field Nashville Airport. The airport’s name is derived from World War I and II veteran Colonel Harry Smith Berry, a native Tennessean who played a pivotal role in establishing the airfield.
The efforts to rename the airport serve not only as a tribute to Dolly Parton’s enduring legacy but also as a reflection of her deep-rooted connection to Nashville and Tennessee. For many, the change represents an opportunity to celebrate a local icon whose influence extends far beyond music, resonating through her charitable work and the love she has fostered in the community.
The impending discussions at the Metro Nashville Airport Authority will be a pivotal moment, as supporters eagerly await a decision that could honour Parton in a meaningful and lasting way.