From ABC7 New York · · 1m 20s
Nashville's airport may soon be named for Dolly
Weeks after Dolly Parton's death, Nashville's airport board voted to put her name on the terminal.
In brief
Weeks after Dolly Parton's death, Nashville's airport board voted to put her name on the terminal. The vote starts the renaming process, but the actual new name is still undecided. Originally reported by ABC7 New York.
A unanimous 6-0 vote
The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority board voted Friday to begin renaming Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton.
She died last month
Parton died Aug. 25 at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer. She was buried privately in Nashville three days later.
No name picked yet
The authority says the final name is undecided and it is still working out how Parton's name and legacy get worked into it. More details are promised in the coming months.
“working closely with the appropriate parties to thoughtfully determine how Dolly Parton's name and legacy will be incorporated”
The governor pushed for it
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee called Parton "our state's favorite daughter" and proposed the rename weeks earlier, so travelers would be greeted by her music, generosity and kindness.
“our state's favorite daughter”
Her family is on board
Lee's office spoke with Parton's team, who were touched by the idea. They see the tribute as another way she brings people together.
“they hope this tribute can be another example of that enduring legacy”
175,000 signatures behind it
Two Tennessee residents started a Change.org petition in January 2025. It has gathered more than 175,000 signatures since Parton's death.
The headline
The vote starts the renaming process, but the actual new name is still undecided.
