A major proposal is gaining momentum in Tennessee following Dolly Parton’s death, with plans underway to potentially rename Nashville International Airport in honor of the country music legend.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced his support for renaming the airport after Parton, describing the idea as a fitting way to honor a woman whose music, generosity, faith and kindness became closely associated with Tennessee.
The proposal echoes a petition that had already attracted enormous public support. More than 150,000 people have signed the online campaign calling for Nashville’s airport to become Dolly Parton International Airport.
The campaign actually began before Parton’s death, but it gained significant momentum afterward. Supporters believe an airport bearing her name would recognize the enormous role she played in putting Tennessee and Nashville on the cultural map.
Governor Lee has also said he discussed the idea with representatives for Parton. According to officials, her team expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support and remained open to continuing the conversation.
However, the name change cannot simply happen overnight. Nashville International Airport is overseen by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, meaning the proposal must go through the appropriate governing process before anything becomes official.
There is also a significant obstacle involving the airport authority’s current naming policy. The existing policy requires a person to have been deceased for at least two years before a property can be named in their honor.
That rule means officials would need to reconsider or revise the policy if they want Parton’s name placed on the airport sooner. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority is scheduled to discuss the proposal and naming policy at its September 17 meeting.
If ultimately approved, the tribute would carry historic significance. Parton could become the first woman to have her name attached to one of the 50 busiest airports in the United States, according to reporting from The Associated Press.
For Nashville, the proposal represents more than simply changing a sign. Parton spent decades promoting Tennessee through her music, business ventures, philanthropy and unmistakable connection to the state, making the airport an especially symbolic place to honor her.
For now, the proposal remains just that—a proposal. The upcoming airport authority discussion will determine whether officials are willing to change the existing rules and move forward with what could become one of the most visible tributes to Dolly Parton’s extraordinary legacy.
Compiled from various sources.
