In Dolly Parton's own words, locals and travelers alike could soon be "departin' from Nashville's D. Parton."
The Metro Nashville Airport Authority Board of Commissioners voted Friday, Sept. 11 in favor of a rule change to allow the renaming of Nashville International Airport in honor of the legendary Dolly Parton, who died in Nashville on Aug. 25 at 80 years old.
It's the first bureaucratic step in what's sure to be a lengthy process to fully adopt the name change, but with the support from airport executives, the authority board and local elected officials, the official name change is imminent.
It's a move that Parton herself didn't think would come to fruition. After a groundswell of support for the renaming bubbled up in late 2025, the idea
reached her. In an exclusive conversation with The Tennessean on Jan. 28, 2025, at Belmont University, she said she didn't expect it to ever happen.
"I think that's probably more of a joke than anything," she said. "I mean, it does sound like a lot of fun to say: 'Your flight is departin' from Nashville's D. Parton.'"
Local and statewide elected officials across the political spectrum back the name change, with both Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee sharing statements in support.
“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Lee said in a statement issued in late August.
“From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her. 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 and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness.”
Nashville airport faces extensive signage changes with Dolly Parton name
Following the airport authority's decision to rename Nashville's airport, a complete signage overhaul will be necessary to reflect the change.
That includes new signage across the entire 4,500-acre property, a replacement for the 40-foot-tall BNA monument, updated BNA Shop merchandise, shuttle bus decals, uniforms, business cards and amendments to hundreds of legal contracts, leases and other government documents.
Molly Davis covers growth and development in Nashville and assists with special projects. You can email her with comments, questions and tips at mmdavis@tennessean.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville airport to be renamed for Dolly Parton after unanimous board vote
