A Change.org petition was introduced in 2025 to rename the airport from Nashville International Airport to Dolly Parton International. Click for More News
Now, after the country music icon passed away on Tuesday, August 25th, the petition has gained more attention, with over 120,000 signatures.
Following Parton’s death, the organizers updated the petition, saying the response had renewed their effort.
“Since her passing, tens of thousands of additional supporters have visited and signed this petition,” Popovich and Dion wrote. “The outpouring of support has reinvigorated our mission — to rename the Nashville International Airport to Dolly Parton International Airport.”
Tennessee Rep. Todd Warner commented on the petition, stating, “Yes, I will definitely introduce legislation to rename the BNA airport Dolly Parton International Airport!”
Russ Bradford, Nashville City Council, also commented on the petition, stating, “I’m proud to sponsor a resolution asking the Metro Nashville Airport Authority to consider renaming BNA to Dolly Parton International Airport.”
He continued, “I want to be clear about what this resolution does and doesn’t do: it’s a statement of support from Metro Council, urging MNAA to take up the idea. The final decision on any name change rests with the Airport Authority, not with Council. I hope that this resolution sends a strong signal of how much our community would welcome this change, and that MNAA will give it serious consideration.”
On social media, Nashville International Airport addressed the renaming of the airport, stating, “The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) joins the entire nation and state of Tennessee in mourning the loss of a true legend, Dolly Parton. Dolly’s extraordinary talent, generosity and unmistakable spirit transcended generations, and her love for Tennessee left an indelible mark on our state and the world.”
“Since her passing, MNAA has received several inquiries regarding the process for naming Nashville International Airport®. Originally adopted in 2010 and most recently updated in 2024, MNAA’s Naming Policy establishes the criteria and formal process for naming buildings, spaces, facilities and streets owned by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority.”
The policy states any airport buildings or streets must be named for individuals who have been deceased for at least two years by the time of the proposed naming and who have made a substantial personal contribution to the MNAA and/or the field of aviation in Middle Tennessee.
Nashville International Airport will light up the garages in pink through the weekend in honor of Dolly Parton.
Despite the growing support, there is currently no clear or direct path to rename Nashville International Airport for Dolly Parton. Any change would likely require action by the Airport Authority, state lawmakers, or both.But we do like the sound of the petition’s slogan, “We could all be Departin’ from Parton.”
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