Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Tennessee Governor Backs Dolly Parton Nashville Airport Renaming
Tennessee leaders want to consider naming Nashville’s airport after Dolly Parton.
Dolly Parton was a famous country music star who was born in Tennessee.
She also helped people through projects such as the Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library.
Fans started a petition asking officials to rename the airport after her.
The petition received more than 155,000 signatures, with another report listing 162,442.
The governor, Nashville’s mayor, and an airport official support discussing the idea.
Dolly’s representatives are also open to continuing the conversation.
The airport authority must discuss its current rules before any name change becomes final.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and airport officials announced plans to begin renaming Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton.
The proposal came three days after Parton’s August 25 death and followed renewed interest in a fan petition launched in January 2025.
The petition had more than 155,000 signatures in one report and 162,442 in another.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, airport authority CEO Doug Kreulen, and Parton’s representatives supported continuing discussions.
The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority will consider the proposal and its naming policy at a September 17 meeting.
- Who
- Dolly Parton, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Doug Kreulen, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, Parton’s representatives, and petition supporters.
- What
- A proposal to rename Nashville International Airport as Dolly Parton International Airport in Nashville.
- When
- The announcement came three days after Parton’s August 25 death; the airport authority is scheduled to discuss the matter on September 17.
- Where
- Nashville, Tennessee.
- Why
- Supporters want to honor Parton’s music, charitable work, generosity, kindness, faith, and connection to Tennessee.
Renaming Supporters
Existing Naming Policy
Whether to honor Parton at the airport
Renaming Supporters
Gov. Bill Lee, Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Doug Kreulen, fans, and Parton’s representatives support continuing discussions about naming the airport after Dolly Parton.
Existing Naming Policy
The airport authority’s current policy says airport properties should be named only for people who have been dead for at least two years, which could delay an immediate change.
Basis for the tribute
Renaming Supporters
Supporters say Parton’s Tennessee roots, music, generosity, faith, kindness, and charitable work make the airport an appropriate place to honor her.
Existing Naming Policy
The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority must address its naming policy before the proposed renaming can proceed.
- Proposed name
- Dolly Parton International Airport in Nashville
- Petition launch
- January 2025, by Tennessee residents Lydia Popovich and Dan Dion
- Petition support
- More than 155,000 signatures in one report; 162,442 in another
- Government support
- Gov. Bill Lee and Mayor Freddie O’Connell backed the proposal or its consideration
- Airport authority support
- CEO Doug Kreulen supported considering the name change
- Scheduled discussion
- Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority meeting on September 17
- Current naming policy
- Airport properties should generally be named for people who have been dead for at least two years
Sources
Nashville Airport Could Soon Carry Dolly Parton's Name, Tennessee Governor Announces
Next stop, Dolly Parton airport: Nashville International Airport to be renamed after country legend
Nashville Airport set to be renamed after country music icon Dolly Parton
