A campaign to rename Nashville International Airport after country music legend Dolly Parton has gained major momentum following her death, with more than 160,000 people signing an online petition supporting the idea.

The proposal has now received backing from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, who announced that the state intends to work toward naming the airport in Parton’s honour. 

A Tribute to Tennessee’s Favourite Daughter

Parton, who died on August 25 at the age of 80, was born in Tennessee and became one of the state’s most recognisable cultural figures.

Governor Lee said that Nashville International Airport is a fitting place to honour her because it serves as a gateway to Tennessee and welcomes visitors from around the world.

“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Lee said in announcing the proposal. 

The governor has already spoken with Parton’s representatives about the idea. According to his office, her team expressed appreciation for the public support and said they were open to continuing the conversation. 

From Fan Petition to Official Proposal

The campaign did not begin after Parton’s death.

An online petition calling for Nashville’s airport to be renamed after the singer was launched in January 2025. Following the announcement of Parton’s death, support surged dramatically, reaching more than 164,000 signatures by August 29. 

The campaign has even taken to the skies. Supporters arranged for a plane to fly over Nashville carrying a banner encouraging people to back the petition. 

What began as a fan-led campaign has now gained support from senior state and local officials.

The Airport Still Needs to Approve the Change

Despite the governor’s support, the name change is not yet final.

The proposal will be discussed by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority at its meeting on September 17. The authority’s current naming policy presents an additional challenge because it generally requires a person to have been deceased for at least two years before a property can be named in their honour. 

That means officials would need to address the existing policy if they want the tribute to happen immediately.

The airport authority has nevertheless expressed support for the idea, with its president and CEO Doug Kreulen describing Parton’s values of dignity, kindness and opportunity as fitting with the spirit of the airport. 

More Than a Country Music Icon

Renaming the airport would recognise far more than Parton’s musical achievements.

Throughout her career, Parton became known for her philanthropy, particularly through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which has distributed nearly 200 million free books to children in several countries since launching in 1995. 

Her influence also extends to film, television, business and tourism through projects including Dollywood.

Her catalogue, meanwhile, has produced some of country music’s most enduring songs, including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.”

That combination of music, entertainment and philanthropy has made Parton an unusually powerful cultural figure in Tennessee and beyond.

Could Nashville International Become Dolly Parton International?

The possibility has already inspired plenty of conversation about what the airport could eventually be called, with supporters using names such as “Dolly Parton International Airport.”

If approved, the change would also be significant from a gender perspective. Nashville’s airport would become one of the major US airports named after a woman, in an industry where airports named after prominent figures are still overwhelmingly associated with men. 

For Nashville, a city whose international identity is closely connected to music, the tribute would also create a powerful connection between its airport and one of Tennessee’s most famous exports.

A Lasting Legacy

Dolly Parton’s influence on Tennessee has been felt for generations, from her music and performances to her charitable work and contributions to tourism.

Now, just days after her death, fans and officials are looking at a permanent way to recognise that legacy.

Whether Nashville International Airport ultimately becomes Dolly Parton International will depend on the airport authority’s upcoming decision and the process that follows.

But with more than 160,000 signatures and the support of Tennessee’s governor, what started as a fan petition has become a serious proposal.

For a city known around the world as Music City, naming its airport after Dolly Parton would be one of the most visible tributes possible to a woman whose music and generosity helped define Tennessee’s cultural identity.