It's confirmed! Nashville airport to be renamed after Dolly Parton
What's the story
Nashville International Airport is set to be renamed after legendary country singer Dolly Parton, following a unanimous vote by the state-controlled Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, Page Six reported. The decision was made during a meeting on Friday (local time), where board members praised Parton's contributions and legacy. This change will make Parton the first woman to have her name on one of America's 50 busiest airports.
Renaming details
Renaming process to take over a year
The renaming process is expected to take over a year and will involve discussions with Parton's estate.
Airport officials have said they need to work out how profits from merchandise sales will be shared, among other things.
The idea of naming the airport after Parton gained momentum after her death in August, with a petition for the name change gathering over 175,000 signatures.
Political consensus
Support from all sides for name change
Despite a history of disputes between the state and city over control of the airport, both sides have come together to support the name change.
Nashville's Democratic Mayor Freddie O'Connell and the city-controlled Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority are also in favor, according to O'Connell spokesman Alex Apple.
Cultural icon
Parton's legacy in Tennessee
Parton rose from humble beginnings in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, to become a global icon.
Apart from her hit songs like Jolene and I Will Always Love You, she also appeared in Hollywood movies such as 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias.
Her supporter Lydia Popovich, who started the name change petition in 2025, called Parton "the best of Tennessee" at the meeting following the unanimous vote.