Nashville Airport Moves Forward with Name Change
Nashville is taking significant steps to rename the Nashville International Airport in honor of the legendary Dolly Parton. Recent reports indicate that the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) Board of Commissioners, alongside the Metropolitan Planning Commission Board of Directors, unanimously agreed to initiate this process during a special joint session held on September 11.
Petition Gains Traction After Parton’s Passing
The initiative to celebrate Dolly Parton at the airport gained momentum following a petition launched prior to her passing on August 25, 2026. This campaign has garnered an impressive 175,000 signatures from supporters advocating for the name change.
Support from Local Leaders
Notable figures such as Governor Bill Lee, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, and various members of the Metro City Council have expressed their backing for this tribute to Parton. In August, Governor Lee remarked, “Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state. From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her. 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.”
Family and Foundation Support
As the renaming proposal gained traction, Dolly Parton’s family and her foundation also expressed their support. Governor Lee mentioned that he had discussions with Parton’s team, who conveyed their gratitude for the overwhelming support to honor her legacy, indicating they were touched by the initiative and welcomed further dialogue.
Next Steps in the Renaming Process
The MNAA voted 6-0 to kick off the renaming process. In the following months, airport officials will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to determine how Parton’s name will be incorporated and the adjustments required.
Proposed Name and Regulatory Challenges
One suggestion for the new name is Dolly Parton International Airport. While the airport’s current BNA code will remain unchanged, preserving its connection to Col. Harry S. Berry, who was instrumental in the airport’s establishment in 1939, there are regulatory hurdles to address. The airport authority must revise its naming policy (Rule 2010-33), which typically prevents naming an airport after someone until two years posthumously.
Administrative Process and Timeline
If the name change receives final approval, airport officials will proceed with the necessary administrative tasks involving the FAA, including updating signage and completing required paperwork. This entire process is projected to take between six months to a year, with anticipated costs ranging from $8 million to $10 million.
While the recent vote does not immediately allow travelers to book flights to “Dolly Parton International Airport,” it marks a crucial first step toward realizing this tribute to an iconic figure in Tennessee’s history.
Source: countrynow.com