Tennessee plans to rename Nashville International Airport in honor of the late country music legend Dolly Parton, as announced on Friday. The decision follows a social media campaign by fans advocating for the airport’s name change to pay tribute to Parton after her recent passing at the age of 80 in the heart of country music, Nashville.
Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee engaged with Parton’s team this week regarding this initiative, reflecting on Parton’s significant impact on the state. Lee expressed that Parton’s remarkable life is deeply ingrained in Tennessee’s history, making it appropriate for the Nashville International Airport to bear the name of the state’s beloved figure, embodying the enduring legacy of Parton’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness to welcome visitors from around the globe.
The proposal to rename the airport will be discussed at a meeting on September 17, addressing the current Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s naming policy, which currently prohibits naming properties after individuals who have been deceased for less than two years. Tennessee’s Department of Tourist Development supports this renaming, with Commissioner Mark Ezell stating that Dolly Parton has been a prominent figure in promoting Tennessee’s tourism, showcasing the state’s music, landscapes, and welcoming spirit to millions worldwide even before they visit.
Born on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee, Dolly Parton spent her childhood in a humble one-room cabin in Locust Ridge. She began her musical journey at the age of 13 on the Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville and later ventured into Nashville to pursue her music career. With iconic hits like “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You,” Dolly Parton emerged as one of the top-selling female artists globally, selling over 100 million records. Her remarkable contributions to music earned her 11 Grammy Awards, including a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.