Tennessee governor backs Dolly Parton airport name change
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The gist
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee backs renaming Nashville International Airport for Dolly Parton. The proposal follows her death and a petition with over 150,000 signatures.
Background
Dolly Parton, the legendary country singer and philanthropist, died on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, at age 80. Shortly after her death, a petition to rename Nashville International Airport in her honor gained traction, and on Friday, Aug. 28, Governor Bill Lee and airport officials announced their support for the change. The petition was originally created in January 2025, but its signatures surged after her death.
How it unfolded
- Jan 2025A petition to rename Nashville International Airport for Dolly Parton is created on Change.org, initially gaining little traction.
- Aug 25, 2026Dolly Parton dies at age 80, prompting renewed calls to rename the airport in her honor.
- Aug 28, 2026A plane towing a banner urging the name change flies over the Tennessee Capitol; the petition surpasses 150,000 signatures. Governor Bill Lee and the Nashville International Airport announce their support for the renaming in a joint statement.
- Sep 17, 2026The Metro Nashville Airport Authority is scheduled to consider the renaming at a meeting.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Governor Bill Lee said it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of 'our state's favorite daughter' and greet travelers with Dolly's legacy of music, generosity, faith, and kindness.
- Public
- Petition organizer Popovich said, 'We are overwhelmed with joy and emotion knowing that we have official support in making this monumental change celebrating one of the world's most precious souls.'
- Support
- Celebrities like Sheryl Crow have weighed in, expressing support for the renaming during an Instagram Live interview with Katie Couric.
Still unverified
The exact timeline of the renaming process and any potential opposition to the change are not detailed in the material.