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Nashville International Airport to be renamed for Dolly Parton
The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority has voted unanimously (6-0) to begin the formal process of renaming Nashville International Airport in honor of the late country music icon Dolly Parton. The decision follows Parton’s death in August 2026 at the age of 80.
To facilitate the change, the board amended a long-standing policy that previously prohibited naming facilities after individuals until at least two years after their passing. The move has received rare bipartisan support, with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell both backing the tribute.
The renaming process is expected to be a multifaceted undertaking that could take between six months to a year. It will involve coordination with Parton’s estate, administrative approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and updates to global aviation systems, signage, and ticketing. While a final name has not been officially confirmed, “Dolly Parton International Airport” is a likely possibility. The airport's current code, BNA, is expected to remain unchanged.
Entities
Bill Lee · Dolly Parton · Freddie O’Connell · Lydia Popovich · Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority · Nashville International Airport · Tennessee
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The airport's BNA code is expected to remain the same despite the name change. olorisupergal.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The board had to waive an internal rule that prevented naming a facility after a deceased person until two years after their death. combonoticias.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] An online petition to rename the airport gathered more than 175,000 signatures. combonoticias.com · olorisupergal.com · www.independent.co.uk
- [● 2 SOURCES] Dolly Parton passed away at age 80 following a battle with cancer. olorisupergal.com · www.independent.co.uk
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority voted unanimously to initiate the renaming process for Nashville International Airport. combonoticias.com · amass.jp · olorisupergal.com · www.independent.co.uk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued a statement supporting the intent to honor Dolly Parton through the airport renaming. amass.jp · olorisupergal.com · www.independent.co.uk