Nashville Airport Could Be Renamed After Dolly Parton In Major Tennessee Tribute
Dolly Parton could soon have one of Tennessee’s most recognizable landmarks named after her.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport have announced their intent to rename BNA in honor of the late country music legend, just days after her death at 80.
Tennessee Wants To Honor Dolly With The Airport
Governor Bill Lee announced the proposal Friday, saying it would be fitting for the airport that welcomes visitors to Tennessee to carry Dolly’s name.
“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Lee said.
He described Dolly as Tennessee’s “favorite daughter” and said her music, generosity, faith and kindness should continue to welcome travelers from around the world.
The proposal has also received support from Nashville International Airport leadership.
Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, said BNA is the “front door to Music City” and that Dolly’s values reflect the spirit the airport wants to represent.
Dolly’s Team Is Open To The Idea
Lee’s office said the governor spoke with Dolly’s team about the proposal this week.
According to the announcement, her representatives expressed appreciation for the enormous public support and said they were touched by the idea and open to continuing the conversation.
That is an important development because the proposal had faced questions about whether the airport could legally be renamed so soon after Dolly’s death.
Fans Started The Push Before Her Death
The idea of naming Nashville’s airport after Dolly did not begin this week.
A petition launched in January 2025 called for BNA to be renamed in her honor.
Following Dolly’s death on August 25, the petition exploded in popularity and surpassed 150,000 signatures.
The campaign attracted support from Tennessee lawmakers and other public figures.
Now, the governor himself has joined the effort.
The Name Change Still Needs Approval
Despite the announcement, the airport has not officially been renamed yet.
The Metro Nashville Airport Authority will consider its existing naming policy along with Governor Lee’s proposal at its meeting on September 17.
More details are expected in the coming weeks.
The current policy has created a potential obstacle because it traditionally limits naming properties after people who have been deceased for less than two years.
That means the upcoming meeting could be a major step in determining whether Dolly Parton’s name officially becomes part of Nashville’s airport.
A Fitting Tribute To Tennessee’s Favorite Daughter
Dolly Parton was born and raised in East Tennessee before becoming one of the biggest stars in the world.
Her connection to the state remained strong throughout her life.
Through Dollywood, the Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library, she continued to invest in Tennessee and communities around the world.
Now, just days after her death, Tennessee is considering perhaps its most visible tribute yet.
If approved, millions of travelers arriving in Nashville could soon see Dolly Parton’s name associated with the gateway to Music City.
For a woman who spent her life putting Tennessee on the map, there may be no more fitting tribute.
At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that BNA would bear @DollyParton’s name.
Today, in partnership with @Fly_Nashville, we announced our intent to honor Tennessee’s favorite daughter and her indelible legacy.
Link: https://t.co/bGBXYqp0d1 pic.twitter.com/Jvf4Em9Amq
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) August 28, 2026
