Tennessee plans to change the name of Nashville International Airport to honor the late country music legend Dolly Parton, as confirmed in an announcement on Friday following her passing at the age of 80. This decision was driven by a social media campaign initiated by fans advocating for the airport’s renaming to pay tribute to the iconic singer. Governor Bill Lee engaged with Parton’s team to discuss this proposal, emphasizing the significant impact of Parton’s life on the state of Tennessee.
Lee expressed that Dolly Parton’s exceptional legacy is deeply ingrained in the essence of Tennessee. He highlighted the appropriateness of Nashville International Airport bearing the name of the state’s beloved figure, symbolizing a warm welcome to travelers with the enduring influence of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness.
The potential renaming of the airport will be deliberated at a meeting scheduled for September 17, addressing the current policy of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, which traditionally limits naming properties after individuals who have not been deceased for at least two years. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is in full support of this initiative, with Commissioner Mark Ezell recognizing Parton as a crucial figure in Tennessee’s tourism landscape and an exceptional ambassador for the state.
Dolly Parton, born on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tenn., spent her childhood in a humble one-room cabin in nearby Locust Ridge. From her early appearances on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville at the age of 13 to her subsequent relocation to Nashville to pursue a music career after high school, Parton’s journey epitomizes her remarkable contribution to the country music industry. With timeless hits such as “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You,” she solidified her status as one of the top-selling female artists globally, having sold over 100 million records and earned 11 Grammy Awards, including a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.