Nashville Airport set to vote on name change to Dolly Parton International
The board of the Metro Nashville Airport Authority is due to vote on 11 September on a proposal to rename Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton, following the country music icon's death on 25 August at the age of 80. The move follows a petition, launched in January and later gaining tens of thousands of signatures, and has won public backing from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, who described Parton as the state's "favourite daughter." If approved, the renaming would mark a significant civic tribute to one of Tennessee's most celebrated cultural figures.
Governor Lee has said Parton's family is supportive of the idea and open to further discussion, though any change would still need approval from the Federal Aviation Administration and would involve considerable cost to implement. The Airport Authority also has an existing rule barring facilities from being named after individuals until two years after their death, meaning the board may need to address or waive that policy before proceeding.
- Nashville airport board votes 11 September on renaming after Dolly Parton
- Move follows Parton's death on 25 August, aged 80
- Governor and family reportedly support tribute; FAA approval still needed