Gov. Bill Lee, BNA announce plan to name Nashville airport in honor of Dolly Parton

What This Story Is About

• Gov. Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport announced plans to name BNA in honor of Dolly Parton.

Why It Matters

• Parton’s team said it is touched by the idea and open to continuing the conversation about a lasting tribute to the Tennessee icon.

What Happens Next

• The Metro Nashville Airport Authority will consider its naming policy and the proposal at its Sept. 17 meeting.

Catch Up

• ‘Dolly Parton International Airport.’ Petition to rename Nashville airport after Dolly Parton surges after her death

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Gov. Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport have announced plans to name BNA in honor of Dolly Parton.

Lee said he spoke with Parton’s team about the proposal this week. Her team said it appreciates the outpouring of support, is touched by the idea and is open to further discussions.

“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Lee said in a statement. “At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favorite daughter.”

The Metro Nashville Airport Authority will address its naming policy and Lee’s proposal at its Sept. 17 meeting. More details are expected in the coming weeks.

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell released the following statement:

The proposal follows a surge in signatures on a petition to rename BNA as Dolly Parton International Airport. The petition had grown to about 79,000 signatures this week.