Tennessee is set to rename Nashville International Airport in honor of the renowned country music figure Dolly Parton, following her recent demise at the age of 80 in the heart of country music, as per an announcement made on Friday. The decision follows a social media initiative by fans advocating for the airport to be named after the iconic singer posthumously. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee engaged with Parton’s team this week regarding this decision, as confirmed by statements from the airport and Lee’s office.
Governor Lee expressed that Dolly Parton’s remarkable life is deeply intertwined with the essence of the state. He stated that it is fitting for Nashville International Airport, where Tennessee extends a warm welcome to the world, to carry the name of the state’s beloved daughter, presenting travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, benevolence, faith, and compassion.
A meeting scheduled for September 17 will address the proposal to rename the airport in line with the current policy of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, which typically prohibits naming properties after individuals who have not been deceased for at least two years, as reported by The New York Times. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is endorsing this initiative.
Mark Ezell, the commissioner of the department, remarked that Dolly Parton has been a significant figure in Tennessee tourism, serving as a leading ambassador for the state. He highlighted her role in showcasing Tennessee’s music, landscapes, and hospitable nature to millions of travelers worldwide. He emphasized that naming the airport after Dolly Parton, where countless journeys throughout Tennessee commence, is a fitting tribute.
Dolly Parton, born on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tenn., spent her early years in a humble one-room cabin in Locust Ridge. She made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry, a renowned weekly country music showcase in Nashville, at the young age of 13. Following her high school graduation, she relocated to Nashville to pursue a career in music.
With iconic hits such as “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You,” Dolly Parton emerged as one of the most successful female artists in music history, having sold over 100 million records. Her accolades include 11 Grammy Awards, including a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.