The board of the Metro Nashville Airport Authority approved a unanimous 6-0 vote on Friday to initiate the renaming of Nashville International Airport in memory of Dolly Parton. While the decision to proceed was confirmed, officials stated that a final name has not yet been selected.
In a statement provided to CBS News, the authority emphasized that they are collaborating with relevant stakeholders to determine how best to incorporate Parton’s name and legacy into the facility. The vote follows the passing of the iconic singer and Tennessee native at age 80 earlier this year after a private battle with cancer.
Governor Bill Lee had previously advocated for the change, asserting that it was appropriate for the state’s primary airport to carry the name of its most celebrated native. He highlighted Parton’s enduring legacy of musical contribution, generosity, faith, and kindness as fitting tributes for travelers.
The push to rename the airport gained significant momentum through an online petition launched more than a year prior to Parton’s death. As of Friday, the campaign had accumulated over 175,000 signatures. When asked about the proposal during a January 2025 appearance on CBS Mornings, Parton expressed that she was flattered but initially regarded the idea as a joke, noting she felt blessed by the compliment.
The current airport, identified by the code BNA, is named after Colonel Harry S. Berry. Any official name change must still receive approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. The authority thanked the community and fans worldwide for their enthusiastic support of the proposal.
The move aligns Nashville with other U.S. airports that have been renamed to honor public figures, such as Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, and Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. Additional legislative efforts in Tennessee seek to further honor Parton, including a bill by State Senator Jessie Seal to designate September 25 as “9 to 5” Day.
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I heard she thought it was a joke initially. Do we know if she officially approved this before passing?
Wait, does this mean my flight confirmation is about to change? Hope it doesn’t mess up my booking codes.
What a fitting tribute to such an iconic Tennessean. Dolly would be touched.