Nashville begins process to honor Dolly Parton with airport renaming
Wertynews.com – Nashville International Airport is moving toward a new identity designed to celebrate one of Tennessee’s most beloved cultural figures. The Metro Nashville Airport Authority voted unanimously Friday to begin renaming the airport in honor of Dolly Parton, following the singer’s death at age 80 after a private battle with cancer.
The board’s 6-0 decision starts a formal process, but officials have not yet settled on the airport’s exact future name. Any change will also require approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.
“We are working closely with the appropriate parties to thoughtfully determine how Dolly Parton’s name and legacy will be incorporated,” the airport authority said in a statement.
A tribute at Tennessee’s gateway
The proposed renaming would place Parton’s legacy at one of the state’s most visible points of arrival and departure. Nashville International Airport serves as a major gateway for visitors, business travelers and residents, making the tribute a prominent daily reminder of the entertainer’s connection to Tennessee.
Gov. Bill Lee supported the idea, saying the airport should carry the name of Tennessee’s “favorite daughter” and welcome travelers with a legacy associated with her music, charitable spirit, faith and kindness.
Parton, a Tennessee native whose career reached audiences around the world, was widely recognized not only for her songwriting and performing but also for her philanthropy. The airport authority said it appreciated the strong public response from local residents as well as fans internationally.
“We are grateful for the tremendous support and enthusiasm from our community and Dolly’s fans around the world,” the airport board said.
Public enthusiasm preceded the vote
Interest in naming the airport for Parton did not begin after her death. An online petition advocating the change had been active for more than a year beforehand and had collected more than 175,000 signatures by Friday.
When the idea came up during a January 2025 appearance on “CBS Mornings,” Parton initially treated it as a humorous suggestion. She nevertheless expressed appreciation for the gesture and the affection behind it.
“I’m very flattered,” Parton told co-host Gayle King. “But it’s a nice compliment, and I appreciate it. I’ve been blessed.”
That reaction has taken on added meaning as Nashville considers how the final name should be presented. Airport officials have indicated that the work will involve careful coordination rather than an immediate switch, leaving room to determine a title that reflects Parton appropriately while meeting aviation and administrative requirements.
What happens to BNA?
The airport’s familiar three-letter code, BNA, is tied to its earlier name, Berry Field Nashville. The designation honors Col. Harry S. Berry. Airport codes are part of the aviation system used on tickets, baggage tags, flight displays and operational documents, so a renaming does not automatically mean the code itself will change.
For travelers, the most visible result of the process would likely be the airport’s public name on signs, maps, websites and terminal materials. The BNA code remains an established shorthand for the airport and for Nashville travel more broadly, while the proposed new name would add a distinctly local symbol to that identity.
Renaming airports after prominent public figures is a familiar practice in the United States. Other examples include Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, and John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California. West Palm Beach, Florida, is home to President Donald J. Trump International Airport.
Parton’s legacy continues to shape Tennessee
The airport proposal is one of several efforts intended to recognize Parton in her home state. Tennessee state Sen. Jessie Seal introduced legislation to designate Sept. 25 as “9 to 5” Day, referencing Parton’s well-known song.
Such proposals reflect the broad reach of Parton’s public life. Her work has long connected music, storytelling and community-minded giving, while her Tennessee roots remained central to her identity. Naming an airport after her would turn that connection into a landmark encountered by millions of passengers over time.
Before any formal unveiling, airport leaders must choose the final wording and complete the federal approval process. The unanimous board vote, however, establishes a clear direction: Nashville’s airport is preparing to carry forward the memory of Dolly Parton as part of the city’s public landscape.
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