A campaign to rename Nashville International Airport in honour of the late country music legend Dolly Parton is gaining significant momentum following her recent passing at the age of 80. The initiative, spearheaded by local Tennessee residents, has garnered rapid attention, with a petition on Change.org amassing over 100,000 signatures in less than 24 hours after the announcement of Parton’s death.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Dolly-Parton-BNA-082626-f1e32e621a434cd0bd2046763a6612b0.jpg)
Initially started on January 21, 2025, by Lydia Popovich and Dan Dion, the petition sought to change the airport’s name to Dolly Parton International Airport “to honour an icon who has given so much to our state and the world.” After Parton’s announcement on August 25, following a brief battle with cancer, the campaign saw a surge in support as fans and admirers rallied to celebrate her legacy.
In a joint statement, petitioners Popovich and Dion expressed their gratitude for the influx of support. They remarked, “Since her passing, tens of thousands of additional supporters have visited and signed this petition. The outpouring of support has reinvigorated our mission. Dolly deserves to be remembered and celebrated. What a wonderful way to share her light and magic across Tennessee and the world.”
Among those advocating for the renaming is renowned singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow. In a recent interview with Katie Couric, Crow voiced support for the endeavour, expressing enthusiasm for the idea of changing the airport’s designation to honour Parton. Crow, who collaborated with Parton on the recent song “You’re No Good,” echoed the sentiments of many who wish to see the airport embody the spirit and contributions of the beloved artist.
The campaign has also attracted political backing, notably from Tennessee State Representative Todd Warner, who stated he would introduce legislation to rename the airport. Warner noted that he had previously attempted to file a bill to rename the facility after former President Donald Trump but shifted his focus upon receiving feedback advocating for a more local influence. “Dolly was so good to this state. She cared about people,” he stated. “We need more Dollys in the world.”
While the rebranding would incur costs for new signage and updates, Warner reassured that Tennessee possesses the necessary funds, citing a significant revenue surplus of $1.2 billion reported at the end of the last fiscal year. He asserted that such a change would serve as a fitting tribute to Parton’s contributions to the state and country.
Russ Bradford, a Metropolitan Nashville Councilman, has also expressed his support for the name change. He mentioned that he has already reached out to the Airport Authority’s board members to discuss the possibility of the rebranding. However, he clarified that any modification would require approval from both the Airport Authority and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Currently, Nashville International Airport is designated with the airport code BNA, which stands for Berry Field Nashville Airport, in homage to Col. Harry Smith Berry, a Tennessee veteran who played a significant role in establishing the original airfield. The proposed name change to Dolly Parton International Airport reflects not only the desire to honour a cultural icon but also acknowledges her profound impact on Tennessee and the global music scene.
As the campaign continues to gain traction, community leaders, musicians, and fans are joining forces to advocate for a name change that many believe would resonate with the essence of what Parton represented—a beacon of creativity, philanthropy, and community spirit.
The momentum of this campaign reflects the deep affection and respect that Tennesseans and fans around the world hold for Dolly Parton, reiterating the notion that a true artist’s legacy can transcend generations and remain ingrained in the cultural fabric of a community. Whether the initiative proves successful will depend on the responses from the relevant authorities, but the shared enthusiasm marks a fitting tribute to an artist who has left an indelible mark on both the music industry and her home state.