Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has officially announced a significant and unprecedented change to the naming of Nashville International Airport, effectively designating it after the legendary country music icon, Dolly Parton. This momentous decision follows the untimely death of Parton on Tuesday, January 6th, 2023, from cancer. The announcement was made during a press conference held earlier this week, and it comes after a considerable surge in public support for the renaming initiative, which originated in January 2025 and has now amassed over 160,000 signatures across various online platforms. The initial proposal, sparked by Parton’s extensive fan base, was initially conceived as a way to honor her extraordinary life and enduring legacy within the state of Tennessee. The Governor’s office stated that Lee and his team engaged in a conversation with Parton’s team, who expressed profound appreciation for the outpouring of support and the opportunity to recognize Parton’s significant contribution to Tennessee’s cultural landscape. ‘Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,’ Lee asserted in the statement, highlighting Parton’s influence on Tennessee’s identity and the state’s tourism industry. The governor’s statement further emphasized the airport’s role as a symbol of the state’s pride and the enduring legacy of Parton’s music, generosity, and faith – elements that resonate deeply with Tennessee’s values. The online petition to rename the airport, initially launched in January 2025, has dramatically intensified in recent months, reaching a peak of nearly 160,000 signatures as of Friday evening. The Metro Nashville Airport Authority board is scheduled to hold a meeting on September 17th to discuss the matter, with the governor’s office stating that final approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is required before the name change can be finalized. A lawmaker, Representative Sarah Jenkins, has already pledged to introduce legislation in the statehouse to formally rename the airport in Parton’s honor, suggesting that the process will likely involve a lengthy and complex regulatory review. The decision to name the airport after Parton represents a bold and unprecedented move, aligning with a broader trend of honoring prominent figures in American culture and history, including Louis Armstrong and Louisville Muhammad Ali. The US has previously adopted such naming conventions for several airports, demonstrating the growing recognition of the importance of honoring iconic artists and figures across the nation. Records indicate that several airports worldwide have been named after musicians and celebrities, including the New Orleans International Airport, which bears the name of Louis Armstrong, and the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, honoring the legendary athlete. The BBC reached out to the Dolly Parton Foundation for comment, but as of this writing, there has been no official statement regarding the Governor’s decision. The event is expected to have a significant impact on Nashville International Airport, potentially influencing its operational and marketing strategies, and it is anticipated to be a landmark moment for the state of Tennessee and the country as a whole.”’, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Source: BBC News
