The Nashville International Airport will soon carry the name of the beloved singer Dolly Parton following a unanimous 6-0 vote by the Metro Nashville Airport Authority board. The decision was announced on Friday as a tribute to the late icon, who passed away recently at the age of 80 after a private battle with cancer.

A final name for the airport has not been set. The board is collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure Parton’s name and legacy are respectfully incorporated. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, who proposed the change, expressed that naming the airport after Parton would be a fitting tribute to Tennessee’s cherished daughter. Her music, kindness, and generosity have touched many.

An online petition, initiated over a year before Parton’s death, attracted more than 175,000 signatures in support of renaming the airport. During an interview on “CBS Mornings” in January 2025, Parton expressed her appreciation for the gesture, though she initially thought it was a joke. In her words, she felt flattered by the compliment.

The Nashville airport, currently coded as BNA, stands for Berry Field Nashville, named after Col. Harry S. Berry. Any name change must be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. The airport board expressed gratitude for the widespread community support and enthusiasm from fans worldwide.

There are several U.S. airports named after notable figures, such as Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. Additional measures to honor Parton include Tennessee State Sen. Jessie Seal’s proposed legislation to designate September 25 as “9 to 5” Day, referencing one of Parton’s famous songs.