The late Dolly Parton is set to have Nashville International Airport renamed after her, following a recent decision by the airport’s board of commissioners in Tennessee. This move, which gained traction after Parton’s passing at the age of 80, was supported by a social media campaign by fans and backed by Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee.
Governor Lee expressed that Dolly Parton’s impact on Tennessee makes it fitting for the airport to bear her name, as she embodies the state’s spirit with her music, generosity, faith, and kindness. Lee further highlighted Parton’s significant economic contribution to Tennessee, with her Dollywood theme park bringing in over $1.8 billion annually.
Born in Tennessee in 1946, Dolly Parton rose to fame at a young age, performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and later pursuing a successful music career. While the exact timeline for the renaming process remains unknown, the airport’s policy stipulates a waiting period of two years posthumously for such dedications.
The specific name for the airport honoring Dolly Parton is yet to be determined, with the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority actively collaborating to ensure her legacy is respectfully integrated.