Tennessee plans to change the name of Nashville International Airport to honor the late Dolly Parton, a renowned country music figure who passed away at the age of 80 in the music hub of the country. This decision follows a social media campaign by fans advocating for the airport’s renaming to pay tribute to Parton after her demise. Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee engaged in discussions with Parton’s team regarding this initiative, as confirmed by statements from the airport and the governor’s office.
Governor Lee expressed that Dolly Parton’s remarkable life is deeply intertwined with the essence of Tennessee. He highlighted that renaming Nashville International Airport after Parton is a fitting gesture to welcome global travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness.
The proposal to rename the airport will be deliberated during a meeting on September 17, addressing the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s naming policy, which currently prohibits naming properties after individuals who have not been deceased for at least two years, as reported by The New York Times. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development has voiced support for this renaming endeavor.
Mark Ezell, the commissioner of Tennessee’s Department of Tourist Development, stated that Dolly Parton has been a significant figure in Tennessee tourism, serving as a prominent ambassador for the state. He emphasized that millions of travelers have been introduced to Tennessee’s music, landscapes, and hospitable spirit through Parton, making her an ideal choice for the airport’s namesake.
Dolly Parton, born on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee, and raised in a humble one-room cabin in Locust Ridge, began her musical journey at a young age. She started performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville at the age of 13 and later relocated to Nashville to pursue a career in music. With hit songs like “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You,” Dolly Parton became one of the top-selling female artists globally, selling over 100 million records. Throughout her illustrious career spanning nearly six decades, she earned 11 Grammy Awards, including a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.