Nashville to Honor Dolly Parton with Airport Renaming: What You Need to Know

Plans to rename Nashville International Airport in honor of the late Dolly Parton are officially moving forward.

“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced on Friday, August 28. “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.”

The governor’s office confirmed that Parton’s family is “open to continuing the conversation” after speaking to his staff this week. Parton’s team expressed excitement that a potential renaming of Nashville International Airport could unite people of all backgrounds — much like the country music legend’s work.