Nashville airport to be renamed after Dolly Parton

Nashville’s Metro Nashville Airport Authority voted unanimously on Friday to rename the city’s primary airport after the late country music icon Dolly Parton. The decision follows a proposal from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, who suggested the change shortly after Parton’s death at age 80 last month, following a brief battle with cancer. The board’s resolution will see the airport officially become the “Dolly Parton International Airport” once the name change is finalized.

The renaming honors Parton’s enduring impact on Nashville’s cultural identity and her lifelong advocacy for the city’s music and tourism industries. The airport, which currently bears the name “Nashville International Airport,” will serve as a lasting tribute to the singer’s legacy, reflecting her status as one of the region’s most celebrated figures. The change will also be reflected in all official signage, marketing materials, and federal aviation documentation.

The board’s unanimous vote underscores broad support for the tribute across the local community and government. The new name is expected to be implemented in the coming months, with a formal dedication ceremony planned to coincide with the airport’s upcoming expansion projects.