Tennessee plans to rename Nashville International Airport in honor of country music legend Dolly Parton following her recent passing at the age of 80 in the city known for its country music scene. The decision was influenced by a social media push from fans to pay tribute to Parton after her death. Governor Bill Lee engaged with Parton’s team this week to discuss the renaming, emphasizing Parton’s significant impact on the state.
Lee expressed, “Dolly Parton’s remarkable life is deeply intertwined with Tennessee’s identity. It is fitting for Nashville International Airport, where the world is welcomed to our state, to bear the name of our beloved Dolly, embodying her enduring musical legacy and spirit of generosity.”
A meeting scheduled for September 17 will review the proposal to rename the airport, considering the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s current naming guidelines that typically require a two-year waiting period after an individual’s death. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is in support of the renaming, praising Parton as a key figure in promoting Tennessee’s tourism.
Mark Ezell, the department’s commissioner, stated, “Dolly Parton has been a leading figure and ambassador for Tennessee tourism. Through her influence, countless travelers have been introduced to our music, landscapes, and welcoming culture. Renaming the airport in her honor is a fitting tribute to where many Tennessee adventures begin.”
Born on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee, Parton grew up in a modest cabin in Locust Ridge. She made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry, a renowned weekly country music showcase in Nashville, at the age of 13. Pursuing a music career after high school, Parton became a music icon with hits like “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You,” solidifying her status as one of the top-selling female artists with over 100 million records sold. Throughout her career, she earned 11 Grammy Awards, including a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.