Renaming logistics pose million-dollar challenge for Nashville airport
Renaming logistics will take over a year and cost millions, with airport code change uncertain.
Event / Society
Nashville Airport Dolly Parton Renaming
Nashville International Airport is moving forward with renaming the facility in honor of late country music legend Dolly Parton following her death in August 2025. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority unanimously voted to begin the renaming process with FAA approval pending.
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2026-09-12 to 2026-11-06 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 12 Sept, 01:06 UTC
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What happened
Airport code change remains uncertain for Nashville International
It is unclear whether the airport authority intends to change Nashville International Airport's long-standing airport code BNA, which derives from the airport's original 1937 name, Berry Field, named after Col. Harry S. Berry, a World War I veteran and public official. Changing an airport code is rare, though Palm Beach International Airport in Florida recently became President Donald J. Trump International Airport and adopted the code DJT.
Dolly Parton dies at age 80
Dolly Parton, the renowned singer, actor, and philanthropist from Tennessee, died at age 80 approximately two weeks before Friday, September 12, 2026.
Online petition for airport renaming receives over 175,000 signatures
An online petition started by Lydia Popovich in 2025 to rename Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton gained significant momentum after Parton's death in late August 2026, collecting more than 175,000 signatures. The petition was supported by public figures including singer Sheryl Crow.
Airport authority overrides policy restricting naming after recent deaths
The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Board had to override an existing policy that prohibited naming a facility after someone who died less than two years prior in order to approve the renaming resolution for Dolly Parton.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announces support for airport renaming
Republican Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee announced his support for renaming Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton late in August 2026, following her death.
Nashville International Airport renaming could cost millions
Changing Nashville International Airport's name is expected to cost millions of dollars. A 2025 estimate for renaming the airport to honor President Donald Trump suggested a cost of $10 million. The expense covers updating airport signage, coordinating with global aviation systems for airline ticketing and baggage handling, and other operational changes. Funding would come from the airport authority's revenue sources including aircraft landing fees, parking and terminal fees, and concessions.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell supports airport renaming despite partisan disputes
Nashville Democratic Mayor Freddie O'Connell and the city-controlled Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority announced their support for renaming the airport after Dolly Parton, despite ongoing partisan disputes between the GOP-run state government and the Democratic-run city government over airport control.
Tennessee lawmakers previously proposed Dolly Parton statue for Capitol grounds
In 2021, Tennessee lawmakers introduced a bill to place a statue of Dolly Parton on the State Capitol grounds. Parton declined the honor, asking lawmakers to withdraw the bill but expressing hope it might happen in the future or after her death.
Bifurcated airport authority system created in 2023 amid partisan dispute
In 2023, Tennessee's state government and Nashville's city government created two separate Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authorities due to ongoing partisan disputes. The state controls one authority and the city controls the other, leading to a dispute over actual airport control that has persisted with competing boards taking leadership roles as courts issue and overturn rulings.
Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority votes unanimously to rename airport for Dolly Parton
The state-controlled Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Board of Commissioners voted 6-0 on Friday, September 12, 2026, to direct the airport CEO to begin the renaming process for Nashville International Airport in honor of Dolly Parton. The vote was unanimous and approved by board members. The renaming would make Parton the first woman whose name adorns one of America's 50 busiest airports.
Airport renaming process expected to take over one year
Airport officials indicated that the renaming process could take a year or more and will involve coordination with Dolly Parton's estate to determine profit-sharing arrangements from merchandise sales related to the airport name change.
Dolly Parton previously declined statue at Tennessee Capitol
In 2021, Dolly Parton asked Tennessee lawmakers to withdraw legislation that would have allowed a statue of her to be erected on the grounds of the state Capitol. She stated she was honored and humbled but requested the bill be removed from consideration, though she left open the possibility of such an honor in the future.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee proposes renaming Nashville airport after Dolly Parton
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee proposed renaming Nashville International Airport in honor of Dolly Parton, calling her 'our state's favorite daughter' and stating the airport should greet travelers with the enduring legacy of her music, generosity, faith and kindness. Lee's office had spoken with Parton's team about the proposal, and her representatives indicated they were touched by the idea and open to continuing the conversation.
Nashville International Airport board votes to rename airport after Dolly Parton
The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority board voted unanimously 6-0 on Friday, September 12, 2025, to begin the process of renaming Nashville International Airport in honor of late country music legend Dolly Parton. The board stated that a final name has not yet been determined and that it is working with appropriate parties to thoughtfully determine how Parton's name and legacy will be incorporated. The renaming process requires approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Dolly Parton dies at age 80 following cancer battle
Country music legend Dolly Parton died on August 25, 2025, at age 80 following a brief private battle with cancer. She was a Tennessee native born in January 1946 who moved to Nashville in 1964 after high school graduation, where she built a successful music career and philanthropic legacy.
Online petition for renaming Nashville airport after Dolly Parton gains over 175,000 signatures
An online petition to rename Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton, which was launched more than a year before her death, accumulated more than 175,000 signatures as of September 12, 2025. The petition was created in January 2025 by Tennessee residents Lydia Popovich and Dan Dion on change.org.
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2 alternative perspectives
Grassroots momentum builds behind Nashville's Dolly Parton airport tribute
Grassroots petition with 175,000+ signatures drives public support for Dolly Parton airport renaming.
Airport Board Votes to Rename Nashville Hub After Dolly Parton
Nashville airport board votes to rename facility after Dolly Parton following governor's proposal and public petition.