Just days after Dolly Parton's death at the age of 80, Tennessee is preparing a particularly symbolic tribute to the country music legend. Governor Bill Lee and officials from Nashville International Airport have announced their intention to name one of the state's main gateways after the singer. The airport could thus become Dolly Parton International Airport.
The governor of Tennessee officially supports the project
The announcement was made Friday, August 28, by Republican Governor Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport, known as BNA. Both parties confirmed their intention to finalize the name change to create a lasting tribute to the artist, who was born in Tennessee in 1946. Bill Lee praised her as an integral part of his state's history and identity. "Dolly Parton's extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state ," the governor said. "From her rural home in the mountains of East Tennessee to stages around the world, Dolly carried the spirit of the Volunteer State with her." For Bill Lee, naming Nashville Airport after her holds particular symbolic significance. "In a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport bears the name of our state's favorite daughter and welcomes travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly's music, generosity, faith, and kindness."
More than 150,000 people are demanding the name change
The idea didn't originate after Dolly Parton's death. A petition calling for Nashville International Airport to be renamed Dolly Parton International Airport was launched as early as January 2025. But the singer's death on August 25, 2026, significantly accelerated the campaign. In just a few days, the petition garnered over 150,000 signatures , including support from singer Sheryl Crow. Several local politicians also voiced their support for the project. This mobilization coincided with the wave of tributes that followed the artist's passing. Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Paul McCartney, and numerous other celebrities paid their respects. If the project succeeds, Dolly Parton would become the first woman to have one of the 50 busiest airports in the United States named after her.
Dolly Parton's team was touched by the proposal
Bill Lee contacted Dolly Parton's team before publicly announcing his support for the project. The singer's representatives said they were touched by the scale of the response and open to further discussions about this tribute. The airport also supports the initiative. Its president and CEO, Doug Kreulen, reiterated the values of dignity and equality to which Dolly Parton was committed. "Whether you're boarding a private jet or flying for the first time, you deserve to be welcomed, respected, and served with the same level of care ," he stated.
A rule currently prevents the airport from being renamed.
The name change is not yet a done deal. Current policy of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority stipulates that an airport can only be named after a person who has been deceased for at least two years. Since Dolly Parton died on August 25, 2026, this rule would theoretically require waiting until 2028. However, this provision could be amended to allow for a much quicker tribute. The naming policy and the proposal concerning Dolly Parton will be reviewed at the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority meeting scheduled for September 17. The name change will therefore have to go through several stages before becoming official.
September 25th could become the "9 to 5 Day"
The airport project isn't the only tribute being considered in Tennessee. Senator Jessie Seal also wants to designate September 25th as "9 to 5 Day ," a reference to Dolly Parton's biggest hit, " 9 to 5. " The date wasn't chosen at random: in the United States, September 25th is written 9/25. The proposal is currently under consideration by Tennessee lawmakers. Other local officials are also looking to revive the idea of a statue or bust of Dolly Parton at the Tennessee State Capitol. In 2021, the singer herself requested that the statue project be abandoned, stating that the timing wasn't right.
Tennessee had already begun to celebrate Dolly Parton
Tributes had begun even before her death. For what would have been her 80th birthday, January 19, 2026, was proclaimed "Dolly Parton Day" in Tennessee. A section of highway in the eastern part of the state was also named Dolly Parton Parkway . Born on January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Dolly Parton grew up in a very modest family before moving to Nashville, the capital of country music, after high school. She went on to become one of the most famous American artists in the world with hits like " Jolene , " "Coat of Many Colors ," " 9 to 5 , " and " I Will Always Love You ."
Beyond music, she had built a significant philanthropic legacy, notably with her Imagination Library program, which distributes free books to young children. Her health problems had raised concerns several months before her death. In October 2025, after the postponement of several concerts, Dolly Parton reassured her fans with her characteristic humor. "I'm fine, I'm not dead yet ," she quipped. Less than a year later, her passing triggered an immense wave of emotion across the United States. With the Dolly Parton International Airport project , Tennessee now aims to permanently inscribe the name of one of its most famous daughters on Nashville's main air gateway.
