Tennessee is planning to change the name of Nashville International Airport to honor the legendary country music star Dolly Parton, following her recent passing at the age of 80. The decision was influenced by a social media movement led by fans to pay tribute to Parton posthumously. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee engaged with Parton’s team to discuss this renaming initiative, emphasizing the lasting impact of Parton’s life on the state.
Gov. Lee expressed his belief that Dolly Parton’s legacy is deeply ingrained in Tennessee’s heritage and that it is appropriate for the airport in Nashville, a city known for welcoming visitors worldwide, to bear her name. The proposal to rename the airport will be reviewed at a meeting scheduled for September 17, as the current naming policy of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority typically requires a two-year period after a person’s death before naming any property in their honor.
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is in full support of this renaming endeavor, recognizing Dolly Parton as a pivotal figure in promoting tourism across the state. Commissioner Mark Ezell commended Parton for her role as a prominent ambassador for Tennessee, showcasing its music, landscapes, and hospitality to countless travelers even before they set foot in the state.
Dolly Parton, born in 1946 in Pittman Center, Tennessee, and raised in Locust Ridge, began her musical journey at a young age and rose to fame with iconic hits like “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You.” Throughout her illustrious career, she sold over 100 million records and earned 11 Grammy Awards, solidifying her status as one of the best-selling female artists in history.
