Tennessee has announced plans to rename Nashville International Airport in honor of the late country music legend Dolly Parton. This decision follows a social media campaign by fans advocating for the change after Parton’s recent passing at the age of 80 in Nashville, the heart of country music.
Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee engaged with Parton’s team to discuss renaming the airport, emphasizing Parton’s significant impact on the state. Lee expressed that Parton’s legacy, encompassing her music, generosity, faith, and kindness, is deeply intertwined with Tennessee’s identity, making it fitting for the airport to bear her name.
The proposal to rename the airport will be reviewed at a meeting on September 17, as the current Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s policy typically requires a two-year posthumous period before naming any property after an individual. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is supporting this initiative, recognizing Parton as a pivotal figure in promoting the state’s tourism and culture.
Born on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee, Parton grew up in a humble one-room cabin in Locust Ridge. Her musical journey began at a young age, performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville at only 13 years old. Parton’s career flourished with iconic hits like “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You,” solidifying her status as one of the top-selling female artists globally, having sold over 100 million records. She was a recipient of 11 Grammy Awards, including a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.