On August 25, 2026, legendary country music singer, actress, and philanthropist Dolly Parton died at the age of 80. Since then, Parton’s passing has been recognized across the United States. Some states flew flags at half-mast to honor the singer. Some states also designated statewide “Dolly Parton” days. In her home state of Tennessee, the Nashville International Airport will be renamed in her honor.
Parton’s Nashville Roots
Dolly Parton was born in Sevier County, Tennessee in 1946. It happened in a one-room cabin on the banks of the Little Pigeon River. She grew up in East Tennessee and lived there until graduating high school in 1964, when she moved to Nashville. In September 2026, the six members of the Nashville International Airport authority board–the Metro Nashville Airport Authority–voted on whether to rename the airport in Parton’s honor. The vote passed unanimously, officially beginning the lengthy name-change process.
Whose Decision Was It?
The idea to rename the Nashville airport was originally suggested in 2025, while Parton was still alive. The singer said it sounded like a fun idea, but she didn’t think it would actually happen. However, in the days immediately following Parton’s death, an online petition circulated to change the airport’s name. Hundreds of thousands of Tennessee citizens signed it, as well as local leaders, including the Nashville mayor, Freddie O’Connell. In late August 2026, the petition was endorsed by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. Currently, the petition has more than 175,000 signatures.
Governor Lee noted that renaming the airport after Parton is an appropriate decision, because Tennessee is also known as the “Volunteer State.” He stated that Parton lived a life of service, especially through her generous philanthropic donations to the state of Tennessee and her international Imagination Library.
What Happens Next?
Renaming an international airport isn’t easy. Now that the board has approved the decision, the process to officially change the airport name can begin. However, it is a long and expensive one. New signage will be needed across the airport’s entire 4,500-acre property. Merchandise, shuttle buses, uniforms, and business cards will all need to be changed. Legal contracts and leases will have to be updated.
Nashville International Airport is one of the nation’s fastest-growing airports. It plays a critical role in supporting economic growth and development in the Middle Tennessee region. The airport provides 80,000 jobs and contributes $13.8 billion in total economic impact. It accommodates over 25 million annual passengers. The name change comes at a fitting moment, when the airport is undergoing a massive renovation that will allow it to serve up to forty million annual passengers annually.
Interestingly, this is not the first time that Nashville Airport has undergone a name change. When it was originally built in 1937, it was named Berry Field.