Nashville International Airport to be renamed in honour of country star Nashville International Airport to be renamed in honour of country star

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has announced plans to name Nashville International Airport, also known as BNA, after Dolly Parton, following the 80-year-old country star’s recent death.

The airport’s Board of Commissioners voted unanimously, 6 to 0, to modify the existing naming policy in honour of Parton.

The decision has also been backed by legions of fans who signed an online petition to rename the airport after the much-loved singer, who was born in rural Tennessee and later moved to Nashville.

“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” remarked Governor Lee in a statement. “At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favourite daughter and greet travellers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith and kindness.”

The move to rename the airport was officially launched in January 2025 with an online petition, gaining fresh momentum following the outpouring of love and respect for the country singer after her death on 25 August, 2026.

The petition states, “What a wonderful way to share her light and magic across Tennessee and the world.”

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) said in a statement, “While a final name has not yet been determined, we are working closely with the appropriate parties to thoughtfully determine how Dolly Parton’s name and legacy will be incorporated.”

The US has several airports named after legendary celebrities including Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

Parton sold 100 million records worldwide including hits like 9 to 5, Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, and I Will Always Love You. Born 80 years ago in a tiny cabin in East Tennessee, the “Queen of Country” also went on to be an astute entrepreneur, business person and philanthropist, giving away millions to fund child literacy, providing wildfire relief and creating a vaccine for Covid-19. She was awarded the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in 2022.

Nashville International Airport has debuted its autumn/winter instalment of the acclaimed Flying Solo exhibition series, offering travellers an opportunity to experience new works by Nashville-area artists. The exhibits will remain on display until 4 January, 2027 featuring work by local artists including Sarah Kaufman and Jenny Petite.

For more information: Nashville International Airport

Read more: Dolly Parton’s Tennessee