Nashville International Airport Poised for Renaming in Honor of Dolly Parton

Nashville International Airport (BNA), a key gateway to Tennessee and the heart of "Music City," is currently navigating a formal process to be renamed in honor of the beloved late singer, songwriter, and philanthropist, Dolly Parton. This significant initiative gained official momentum on August 28, when Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, alongside representatives from Nashville International Airport (BNA) itself, issued a joint statement announcing their intent to bestow Parton's name upon the facility. The announcement follows the passing of Dolly Parton on August 25, at the age of 80. Governor Lee articulated a profound sentiment, stating, "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." This perspective was echoed by Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA), the entity responsible for the ownership and operation of BNA. Kreulen emphasized the airport's crucial role, noting, "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." Further underscoring the sentiment, Mark Ezell, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, added, "Dolly carried Tennessee to the world, and I can't imagine a better name for the airport where so many Tennessee journeys begin." The proposal has rapidly garnered widespread backing, culminating in Nashville's Metro Council unanimously throwing its support behind the airport name change on September 1. The MNAA is scheduled to commence a formal evaluation of its existing Naming Policy and the governor's renaming proposal at its upcoming meeting on September 17. While the current momentum is substantial, the idea of honoring Parton with the airport's name is not entirely new. Prior to her passing, a grassroots effort had already begun to gain traction. In January 2025, dedicated fans Lydia Popovich and Dan Dion initiated a Change.org petition, describing Parton as a "national treasure" and a "Tennessee legend." Their petition highlighted not only her celebrated career as an artist who "encourages love, acceptance, and goodwill through her music" but also her broader philanthropic contributions and her deep-rooted connection to the state of Tennessee. The swift and unified support from various levels of government, coupled with the ongoing public enthusiasm, signals a strong likelihood that Nashville International Airport will soon bear the name of one of its most iconic and cherished figures.