Tennessee is planning to rename Nashville International Airport in honor of the late country music legend, Dolly Parton, following her recent passing at the age of 80. The decision comes after a social media campaign by fans advocating for the airport to be named after Parton. Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee confirmed discussions with Parton’s team regarding this move, emphasizing the singer’s significant impact on the state.
Governor Lee stated that Dolly Parton’s remarkable life has become intertwined with the essence of Tennessee. He expressed that renaming Nashville International Airport after the beloved singer would pay tribute to her enduring legacy of music, generosity, faith, and kindness, creating a welcoming atmosphere for travelers from around the world.
The proposal to rename the airport will be deliberated at a meeting on Sept. 17, where the current policy of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, which typically requires a two-year waiting period before naming property after a deceased individual, will be discussed. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is supporting the initiative, recognizing Parton as a key figure in promoting Tennessee’s tourism industry.
Mark Ezell, the commissioner of Tennessee’s Department of Tourist Development, described Dolly Parton as a vital figure in Tennessee’s tourism sector, noting her role as a prominent ambassador for the state. He highlighted the singer’s influence in introducing millions of travelers to Tennessee’s culture, landscapes, and hospitable spirit through her music and persona.
Born on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee, Dolly Parton spent her formative years in a modest cabin in Locust Ridge. She began her music career at a young age, performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville by the age of 13. With iconic hits such as “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You,” Parton achieved immense success as one of the top-selling female artists in history, selling over 100 million records and receiving 11 Grammy Awards, including a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.