Nashville International Airport (BNA) could soon bear the name of country music legend Dolly Parton after Tennessee officials backed a proposal to rename the major airport in her honour.
The proposal gained momentum on August 28, 2026, after Tennessee Governor Bill Lee threw his support behind a growing campaign to rename the airport after Parton, who died on August 25 at the age of 80.
The move follows a fan-led petition that had gathered more than 155,000 signatures calling for Nashville International Airport to be renamed Dolly Parton International Airport.
Lee described Parton as “Tennessee’s favorite daughter” and argued that naming the airport after her would create a lasting tribute to one of the state’s most internationally recognised figures.
The proposal has also received a positive response from Parton’s representatives, who have expressed appreciation for the honour and indicated that they are open to discussions surrounding the renaming.
Nashville International Airport serves as one of Tennessee’s most important gateways and connects the state capital with destinations across the United States and internationally.
Renaming it after Parton would give the singer a prominent legacy in the city and state where she built much of her career.
Parton grew up in East Tennessee and went on to become one of the world’s most successful country music artists.
Beyond her music career, she became closely associated with Tennessee through her philanthropic work, business ventures and Dollywood theme park in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Supporters of the proposal say the airport would provide an appropriate symbol of Parton’s global influence because it is one of the main places through which visitors enter and leave Tennessee.
The proposed name is Dolly Parton International Airport, although that name will only become official if the relevant authorities approve the change.
The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority board is expected to consider the proposal during its scheduled meeting on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
The board must address existing policies governing the naming of airport facilities before the proposal can move forward.
One of the major hurdles is a policy requiring a deceased person to have been dead for at least two years before an airport facility can be named in their honour.
Parton died only a week before the proposal was introduced, meaning officials would need to approve an exception or change the existing policy if they want to proceed with the renaming immediately.
The proposal also requires approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before the name can officially be adopted.
If approved, the renaming would give Parton a distinction beyond her achievements in music and entertainment.
She would become the first woman to have her name attached to one of the 50 busiest airports in the United States.
