Dolly Parton to Get Major Honor as Nashville Airport Moves to Rename Terminal After Her
Nashville International Airport is moving closer to being renamed in honor of Dolly Parton after airport authorities unanimously approved the start of the formal process.
The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority voted 6-0 on Friday to begin the renaming process. Officials said completing the change could take a year or more.
Fast Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Airport | Nashville International Airport |
| Proposed honor | Dolly Parton |
| Vote | 6-0 unanimous |
| Petition support | More than 175,000 signatures |
| Final name | Not yet decided |
| Current code | BNA |
| Timeline | Could take a year or more |
The proposal gained major public support after a petition launched by Dolly Parton fan Lydia Popovich collected more than 175,000 signatures.
If approved, Parton would become the first woman to have her name on one of the 50 busiest airports in the United States.
The final name has not been decided. Dolly Parton International Airport has emerged as a possibility, but further approvals will be required, including review by the Federal Aviation Administration.
The airport’s existing three-letter code, BNA, is expected to remain unchanged.
Parton had previously pushed back against efforts to name major Tennessee landmarks after her. In 2021, she asked lawmakers to withdraw a proposal for a statue of her at the state Capitol.
In 2025, she also joked about the airport idea, saying it sounded fun to hear travelers say they were departing from “Nashville’s D. Parton.”
The naming campaign gained new momentum after Parton’s death on August 25. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell have supported the proposal.
The airport renaming also represents an unusual point of agreement in Nashville’s long-running dispute over control of the airport. State and city authorities have been on opposite sides of the political fight, but both are expected to support the name change.
Airport officials also plan to work with Parton’s estate on potential merchandise and licensing connected to the new name.
Parton, who rose from poverty in East Tennessee to become a global country music icon, wrote and recorded hits including “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.” She also starred in films including 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias.
The renaming process is now underway, but the final name and implementation details have yet to be announced.
