Tennessee plans to rename Nashville International Airport in honor of legendary country music icon, Dolly Parton, following her recent passing at the age of 80. The decision arose from a social media movement by fans to pay tribute to Parton after her death. Governor Bill Lee engaged with Parton’s team to discuss this renaming initiative. Lee emphasized that Parton’s remarkable life is deeply intertwined with Tennessee and it is fitting for the airport to bear the name of the state’s beloved figure, reflecting her musical legacy, generosity, faith, and kindness to welcome travelers.
The proposal to rename the airport will be deliberated at a meeting on Sept. 17, considering the current Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s naming policy, which typically requires a two-year waiting period after an individual’s passing before naming any property. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development fully supports this renaming, recognizing Parton as a pivotal figure in promoting Tennessee tourism worldwide. Mark Ezell, the department’s commissioner, hailed Parton as a significant influencer in showcasing Tennessee’s music, landscapes, and warm hospitality to millions of travelers even before they arrive in the state.
Dolly Parton, born on Jan. 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tenn., and raised in a humble cabin in Locust Ridge, began her music career early, performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville at the age of 13. Over her six-decade-long career, she produced timeless hits like “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You,” solidifying her status as one of the top-selling female artists of all time with more than 100 million records sold. Parton’s musical prowess earned her 11 Grammy Awards, including a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.