Nashville airport board unanimously approves renaming process to honor Dolly Parton

Key points

• The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority unanimously approved a motion to begin the renaming process on September 11, 2026.
• The change would make Parton the first woman to have her name on one of America’s 50 busiest airports.
• A petition started by Lydia Popovich in 2025 gathered over 175,000 signatures after Parton’s death.
• The final name has not been determined, and officials must coordinate with Parton’s estate regarding merchandise profits and branding.
• Implementation could take a year or more, requiring updates to signage, contracts, and uniforms across the 4,500-acre property.

Background

Parton died on August 25, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer. She was born in 1946 in the Great Smoky Mountains and moved to Nashville in 1964. Her legacy includes hit songs like 'Jolene' and the Imagination Library charity. In 2021, lawmakers proposed a statue for her on the Capitol grounds, which she declined. The current airport dispute stems from a 2023 bifurcation of authority between the state and city.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six and ABC News highlight the bipartisan nature of the vote, noting that the Republican-led state and Democratic-controlled city governments, usually at odds, united for this decision. The Guardian emphasizes the economic impact, noting Parton’s Dollywood park brings $1.8bn annually to Tennessee. ABC News details that Parton’s team was 'touched' by the idea and open to the conversation, despite her previous reluctance to accept such honors. All sources agree that the final name is yet to be determined and that the process will be lengthy and costly.

Why it matters

The renaming symbolizes a rare moment of political unity in Nashville, bridging a deep partisan divide over airport control. It also marks a historic first for women in major US airport naming, reflecting Parton’s cultural significance beyond music, including her philanthropic work and impact on Tennessee’s economy.

What to watch

Officials will work with Parton’s estate to finalize the name and determine how to split merchandise profits. The FAA will receive votes from both the state and city boards. Further details on implementation and costs are expected in the coming months, with the full change potentially taking over a year.