From Rolling Stone · Larisha Paul · · 1m 20s
Nashville's airport is about to become Dolly's
Six board members voted yes, and they did it a week before they had to.
In brief
Six board members voted yes, and they did it a week before they had to. The unanimous vote is only step one: the actual new name and timeline are still being worked out. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
All six voted yes
Every member of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority board voted to rename Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton. No dissent.
The name isn't set yet
The authority says it is still working out exactly how Parton's name will appear, with firmer plans expected over the coming months.
“While a final name has not yet been determined, we are working closely with the appropriate parties”
Tennessee moved first
The state announced its intention to rename the airport after Parton died in late August. The airport board's vote follows that lead.
The governor's case
Bill Lee framed the airport as the door Tennessee opens to the world, and said the state's favorite daughter belongs on it.
“At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state's favorite daughter”
A week ahead of schedule
The proposal wasn't due to be heard until Sept. 17. The board took it up and settled it sooner than anyone expected.
Why an airport fits
Airport CEO Doug Kreulen tied the choice to what Parton stood for: that where you come from or what you earn should not decide how you're treated.
“She understood that dignity, kindness and opportunity should never be defined by where you come from”
At a glance
The unanimous vote is only step one: the actual new name and timeline are still being worked out.
