Tennessee governor proposes Dolly Parton airport renaming
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Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has officially proposed renaming Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton, advancing a fan-backed idea towards a formal decision. The proposal would honour Parton’s long-standing cultural and philanthropic significance to Tennessee at a major gateway to the state.
Lee announced the move with Nashville airport officials after speaking with Parton’s team, who were reportedly touched by the proposal. A petition supporting the change had gained more than 150,000 signatures by Friday afternoon; the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority is due to consider it on 17 September, and state representative Todd Warner says he will introduce supporting legislation.
- Governor Lee formally backs a Dolly Parton airport renaming.
- Airport authority will consider the proposal on 17 September.
- Fan petition has attracted more than 150,000 signatures.
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Dolly Parton is a singer, songwriter and businesswoman from Tennessee, best known for country music hits including Jolene and 9 to 5. Born in the state’s Smoky Mountains, she has also built businesses linked to tourism and given money to education and charitable causes.
Nashville International Airport is the main airport serving Tennessee’s capital, a city closely associated with the country music industry. Its name is overseen by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, although a renaming of a major public airport can also involve wider political and legal decisions.
Governor Bill Lee is Tennessee’s Republican governor, while Todd Warner is a state representative who can seek support for a change in state law. Naming public places after prominent people is often intended to recognise their contribution to local culture, but it can require approval from the bodies responsible for the site.
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