Fans and state leaders are rallying behind an effort to rename Nashville International Airport in honor of Dolly Parton, days after the country music icon died at age 80. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced Friday that he supports renaming the airport for Parton, a move endorsed by Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority CEO Sabrina Schuetz. The proposal is expected to be discussed at the authority's September 17 meeting.
The push gained momentum following Parton's death Tuesday. An online petition started in January 2025 calling for the rename had gathered more than 155,000 signatures as of Friday. If approved, the change would make Parton the first woman whose name adorns one of America's 50 busiest airports.
Parton's cultural impact extended far beyond music. Born into poverty in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, she became a globally recognized entertainer who wrote and recorded hits including "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You." She also starred in Hollywood films such as "9 to 5" and "Steel Magnolias," while establishing herself as a major philanthropist through her Imagination Library program.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive advocates and Democratic leaders praised the proposal as a fitting tribute to an artist whose generosity transcended political divisions. Parton was widely celebrated for crossing generational, geographic, and ideological boundaries throughout her career.
Tennessee Democrats joined in supporting the rename. "Dolly Parton gave so much to this state and to people everywhere," said a party spokesperson. "Renaming Nashville's airport is a small way to ensure her legacy is visible to every traveler who passes through." The proposal has drawn support from women's advocacy groups, who noted it would mark a significant milestone for female representation at major American airports.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative leaders and Republican officials in Tennessee embraced the plan as an opportunity to honor one of the state's most celebrated native daughters. Gov. Lee's statement reflected sentiments shared across the GOP.
"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 in his announcement. Republican legislators from both chambers indicated they would support whatever steps are needed to advance the rename.
What the Numbers Show
The petition supporting the rename accumulated over 155,000 signatures as of August 28, having grown significantly since Parton's death Tuesday. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority will need to address its existing naming policy, which currently requires individuals to be deceased for at least two years before being considered for airport honors.
Currently, the vast majority of U.S. airports named after people bear men's names. Exceptions include Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport in Atchison, Kansas. New Orleans' airport was renamed for jazz icon Louis Armstrong in 2001, demonstrating precedent for honoring cultural figures.
Nashville International Airport ranks among America's 50 busiest airports by passenger volume, according to Federal Aviation Administration data.
The Bottom Line
The proposal faces a procedural hurdle with the authority's two-year posthumous naming requirement, though Gov. Lee's public support and direct discussions with Parton's representatives signal significant momentum. The September 17 meeting will determine whether the renaming moves forward through an official process that could involve additional votes or policy waivers.
Parton's death prompted an outpouring of tribute from across the political spectrum, reflecting her broad appeal. Whether this naming effort succeeds may depend on how quickly advocates can navigate bureaucratic procedures designed for a different era. Travelers passing through Nashville could eventually see Parton's name greeting them at one of the nation's major air hubs.