Dolly Parton Airport Campaign Gains Momentum After Country Icon’s Death

A campaign to rename Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton is gaining momentum following the country music legend’s death.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the chief executive of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority have backed the proposal, which is expected to be considered at the authority’s meeting on September 17.

The campaign began before Parton’s death, with an online petition launched in January 2025 calling for the airport to be renamed in her honour. Following her death on Tuesday, interest in the petition surged, with more than 155,000 people signing it by Friday.

Lee said he had already discussed the proposal with representatives of Parton and described the airport as an appropriate place to honour the Tennessee-born star.

“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,” Lee said.

Parton, who grew up in poverty in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, went on to become one of the most recognisable figures in country music. Her career included hit songs such as “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You”, as well as acting roles in films including 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias.

If approved, the proposal would make Parton the first woman to have her name attached to one of the 50 busiest airports in the United States.

However, the proposal will have to go through the airport authority’s formal naming process before any change can be made.