Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and airport officials are seeking to rename Nashville International Airport in honor of country music icon Dolly Parton following her death at age 80.
Lee confirmed he has spoken with representatives for Parton regarding the proposal to rename the transportation facility. Parton's team expressed appreciation for the gesture and indicated they are open to the idea, according to a joint press release issued by the governor and the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, as reported by Page Six.
Governor Lee praised Parton's enduring contribution to the state in an official statement released after her passing. "Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state," Lee declared. "From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her."
The governor added that renaming the facility would be a fitting tribute for arriving visitors. "At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favorite daughter and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness," Lee said.
Public support and legislative proposals
The proposal comes alongside growing public backing for the change through a popular online campaign. A Change.org petition titled "Rename Nashville International Airport to Dolly Parton International Airport" has gathered 163,130 signatures. First launched in January 2025, the petition experienced a surge in signatures following news of the singer's passing.
State officials and local lawmakers have also expressed direct support for the name change. Tennessee State Rep. Todd Warner wrote on the petition page that he intended to back the movement through formal channels. "Yes I will definitely introduce legislation to rename the BNA airport Dolly Parton International Airport! Thanks, TW," Warner posted.
Nashville Council member Russ Bradford confirmed he would introduce local legislation supporting the initiative. "I’m proud to sponsor a resolution asking the Metro Nashville Airport Authority to consider renaming BNA to Dolly Parton International Airport," Bradford said, as quoted on Change.org. The proposal is scheduled for discussion at the Metro Nashville Airport Authority's upcoming meeting on September 17, according to the press release.
Philanthropy and charitable contributions
Throughout her multi-decade career, Parton earned widespread acclaim for her extensive philanthropic work alongside her musical achievements. Through her Imagination Library program, she helped distribute hundreds of millions of books to young children worldwide to foster early childhood literacy.
Her charitable efforts also provided critical support for medical advancement in Tennessee. In April 2020, Parton donated $1 million to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. The funds helped finance early research that contributed directly to the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Final days and family tribute
Parton passed away on Tuesday following a hospitalization at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she had been admitted on Friday suffering from autoimmune and kidney problems, according to TMZ. Reports later confirmed she had also fought a brief battle with an undisclosed form of cancer.
Just four days before her death, Parton spoke with People magazine about her ongoing projects, expressing enthusiasm for future endeavors. She told the outlet she still had "so many things I want to achieve," including plans to launch a new hotel and a dedicated museum in Nashville.
Her death was formally announced in a video published on Instagram by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who served as her head of security. Seaver explained that the message had been prepared in advance at Parton's request. "This video announcement is something Dolly asked of me years ago before I fully absorbed it as a future reality," Seaver shared in the clip.
Seaver paid tribute to his aunt's lifelong legacy, noting that she had "lived in the light" throughout her journey. He stated that she was now "in the arms of Jesus" alongside her late husband, Carl Dean, her parents, and "countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens."
