Nashville Airport will be officially renamed in honor of Dolly Parton after viral movement
TENNESSEE’S governor Bill Lee announced on Friday that Nashville International Airport will be no more – as the state looks for a new name in tribute to late icon Dolly Parton.
It comes just three days after the superstar’s death at 80 with Dolly Parton fans begging lawmakers to rename a major hub after the country icon.


The movement has also received support from lawmakers.
The petition to rename the Nashville International Airport after Parton gained nearly 130,000 signatures.
“We request that the airport’s name be changed to Dolly Parton International Airport to honor an icon who has given so much to our state and to the world,” the petition on Change.com read.
“Sign the petition to make this change a reality. We could all be Departin’ from Parton!!”
The petition had originally started in January 2025, but has gained 80,000 signatures since Parton died on Tuesday.
“Dolly deserves to be remembered and celebrated,” the updated petition reads.
“What a wonderful way to share her light and magic across Tennessee and the world.”
It called on Governor Bill Lee and state Representatives Todd Warner, Bob Freeman, and Fred Atchley, to make the change.
Warner pledged his support for the measure.
“Yes I will definitely introduce legislation to rename the BNA airport Dolly Parton International Airport!” he wrote.
Sheryl Crow also joined in on the calls to rename the airport.
During an Instagram Live with Katie Couric, she said, “Yes! I think we should,” and joked that she didn’t know what Nashville’s call sign BNA meant.
Governor Lee didn’t take long to act, announcing his intention to rename Nashville Airport on Friday afternoon.
“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” he said.
“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 and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness.”
The exact new name of the airport remains unclear – as is the official date the change will happen.
A meeting is currently scheduled for September 17 to discuss.
The country music icon passed away in a Nashville hospital after a brief battle with cancer.
“BNA is the front door to Music City, and with that comes a responsibility to reflect the very best of who we are as a community,” said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority.
“Dolly’s remarkable legacy reminds us that what makes Nashville special is our ability to welcome people from every walk of life.
“She understood that dignity, kindness and opportunity should never be defined by where you come from or your socioeconomic status.
“At BNA, we share that commitment. Whether you are boarding a private aircraft or taking your first flight, you deserve to be welcomed, respected and served with the same level of care. That spirit is what defines BNA and it is a fitting reflection of the values Dolly shared with Tennessee and the world.”

