The Nashville International Airport (BNA) might be undergoing a name change in honor of Dolly Parton.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and BNA announced their intention to name the airport in the country-singing icon’s honor on Friday (August 28) to create a “lasting tribute to her indelible legacy and the generations of people she inspired across Tennessee and around the world.”
They have reportedly consulted with her team already, who have expressed their appreciation for the recent outpouring of support received following Dolly‘s passing at the age of 80 on Tuesday, August 25, following a brief battle with cancer.
“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” said Gov. Lee. “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.”
Vin Diesel‘s tribute to Dolly Parton is going viral for a sweet reason.
Fans have been pushing for the airport to be name in honor of Dolly for more than a year
Dolly‘s fans created an online petition to re-name the airport for the “Jolene” singer in January 2025 and it has received renewed attention after her death. As of Friday, it has reached more than 158,000 signatures.
The name change would make Dolly the first woman to have her name on one of America’s 50 busiest airports. Many others already feature the names of celebrities, such as the New Orleans’ airport named for Louis Armstrong and the Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Kentucky.
Find out why Garth Brooks‘ daughter is receiving backlash for her Dolly Parton tribute.
What happens next?
Before a name change can happen, the existing policy might need to be revised to make it final. The decision will be addressed at the Metro Nashville Airport Authority’s meeting on Thursday, September 17. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.
Here’s how you can revisit Dolly Parton‘s classic film Steel Magnolias for free online!
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