Tennessee is planning to rename Nashville International Airport in honor of the legendary country music icon Dolly Parton, following her recent passing at the age of 80 in the heart of country music, Nashville. This decision was influenced by a social media campaign initiated by fans to pay tribute to Parton after her demise. Governor Bill Lee engaged in discussions with Parton’s team regarding this renaming initiative, as confirmed by statements from both the airport and Lee’s office.
In a released statement, Governor Lee emphasized the significant impact Parton has had on the state of Tennessee, stating that her remarkable life is deeply intertwined with the state’s identity. It is deemed fitting that Nashville International Airport, as a gateway where Tennessee welcomes the world, should bear the name of its beloved native daughter to greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness.
The proposal to rename the airport and the current Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s naming policy will be deliberated at a meeting slated for September 17, as reported in the statement. Existing regulations within the naming policy prohibit the naming of any property after an individual who has not been deceased for a minimum of two years, as highlighted by The New York Times.
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development has expressed its support for this renaming endeavor. Commissioner Mark Ezell acknowledged Parton as a pivotal figure in Tennessee’s tourism landscape, referring to her as the state’s foremost lady and most prominent ambassador. Parton’s influence has played a crucial role in introducing millions of travelers to Tennessee’s music, landscapes, and hospitable aura even before they arrive in the state. The renaming of the airport is seen as a fitting tribute to where countless journeys across Tennessee commence.
Dolly Parton, born on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee, was raised in a modest one-room cabin in Locust Ridge nearby. Her musical journey began at the age of 13 when she started performing at the Grand Ole Opry, a renowned weekly country music concert in Nashville. Following her high school graduation, she relocated to Nashville to pursue a career in music. Parton’s illustrious career featured timeless hits like “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You,” establishing her as one of the top-selling female artists in history with over 100 million records sold. With 11 Grammy Awards under her belt, including a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, Parton’s legacy in American music remains indelible.
