Nashville Airport Board Unanimously Votes To Support Renaming Airport After Dolly Parton

Nashville is officially taking the next step toward incorporating Dolly Parton’s name into to the Nashville International Airport. Local news outlets report that the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) Board of Commissioners and the Metropolitan Planning Commission Board of Directors voted unanimously to begin the process during a special joint meeting Sept. 11

The push to honor Parton at the airport came after a petition that launched before her death gained massive momentum following her passing on August 25, 2026. The petition has since collected more than 175,000 signatures.

Gov. Bill Lee, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell and members of the Metro City Council have also voiced their support for honoring Parton in this way.

Back in august, Lee stated, “Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state…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.”

As word for the proposal began to spread, Parton’s family and foundation added their support. Lee noted that he spoke with Dolly’s team about the idea, and they shared appreciation for the “extraordinary outpouring of support to honor Dolly,” adding that they were touched by the gesture and welcomed “continuing the conversation.”

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority voted 6-0 to begin the renaming process. Airport leaders will spend the coming months working with the necessary parties to determine how Parton’s name will be incorporated and what changes will need to be made.

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One of the proposed names is Dolly Parton International Airport. According to NewsChannel 5, the airport’s existing BNA code would remain in place, preserving its connection to Col. Harry S. Berry, who helped establish the airport in 1939.

Before the renaming can officially take effect, the airport authority will also need to revisit its current naming policy (Rule 2010-33), which generally says that airport properties cannot be named after someone until at least two years after their death.

If the name change receives final approval, airport officials will then begin working through the administrative process with the FAA, including changing all signage and finalizing any necessary paperwork. The entire process is expected to take six months to a year, with the cost estimated at $8 million to $10 million.

So, while today’s vote does not mean travelers can immediately start booking flights to “Dolly Parton International Airport,” it does serve as the first major step toward making the proposed name a reality.