Nashville Airport Votes to Begin Dolly Parton Name Change: What Happens Next? | Just Jared
The unanimous vote advances the proposed tribute, with the final name and timing still to be announced.
Plans to put Dolly Parton’s name on Nashville International Airport have cleared an early hurdle.
On Friday (September 11), the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority voted 6–0 to begin the renaming process in the country legend’s honor, according to its latest statement.
There are still decisions ahead before travelers will know exactly what the tribute will look like.
Is Nashville airport named after Dolly Parton now?
Not yet. The authority said “a final name has not yet been determined” in its September 11 announcement.
Fans have advocated for “Dolly Parton International Airport” through an online petition, but officials have not announced that wording as the airport’s new name.
When will the airport’s name change?
A date has not been announced. The authority expects to share more concrete plans for carrying out the change in the coming months. Discussions will address how to include Dolly’s name and recognize her legacy.
RELATED: Dolly Parton’s Sister Stella Reveals the Last Thing the Singer Asked Her For Before Her Death
How did the Dolly Parton airport tribute begin?
Friday’s vote follows the August 28 announcement from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the airport, also known as BNA, that they wanted to rename it for Dolly.
The governor’s office said he had discussed the idea with her team, who welcomed the support and were willing to continue talking about the proposal.
Dolly died on August 25 at age 80.
Fans have been campaigning for the tribute since 2025
The push from fans began well before the governor’s announcement.
Fans launched their Change.org petition on January 21, 2025, asking for the airport to carry Dolly’s name in recognition of both her entertainment career and charitable work.
As of September 11, the page listed 175,433 supporters and had been marked as a victory.
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