Tennessee officials are beginning the process of renaming Nashville International Airport for late country music star Dolly Parton.
Gov. Bill Lee and the airport’s leadership came out in favor of the renaming on Friday and said they have opened discussions with Parton’s team. The team “expressed their appreciation” for the idea and are “open to continuing the conversation,” the governor’s office said.
“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Lee said in a statement. “From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her. 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 died Aug. 25 at the age of 80.
Born and raised in East Tennessee, her family’s experience with grinding poverty informed her songwriting. She rose to prominence in the 1970s with country hits such as “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You” before broadening her sound in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Parton later became well known for her philanthropic efforts and for developing Dollywood, a theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. She lived outside of Nashville for much of her life.
Renaming BNA to honor Parton would likely take several months at least. The airport’s branding would have to be redone, and much of its exterior and interior signage replaced.
The Metro Nashville Airport Authority will address the renaming proposal at a meeting on Sept. 17.
