Tennessee moves to rename Nashville airport for Dolly Parton
What's next: The airport board meets Sept. 17, and any name change would still need Federal Aviation Administration approval.
Tennessee is moving to rename Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton, days after the country music star died at 80 from cancer. Gov. Bill Lee said he had spoken with Parton’s team, and state officials framed the change as a tribute to a performer whose career and philanthropy were closely tied to Tennessee. The push gained momentum after her death, with an online petition calling for “Dolly Parton International Airport” drawing nearly 160,000 signatures by Friday. The Metro Nashville Airport Authority board is scheduled to consider the proposal on Sept. 17. A final change would also require approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. State Rep. Todd Warner has also pledged to introduce legislation backing the effort.