Nashville Airport To Be Renamed After Dolly Parton
The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Board has approved the renaming of Nashville International Airport in honour of late country music star Dolly Parton, WZTV reports on Friday.
The Nashville-based television station reports that the board voted unanimously on Friday to approve the move in honour of the Tennessee-born singer, who died on August 25 at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer.
The decision followed discussions over the effect of the renaming on the airport’s branding and marketing materials, as well as questions about the cost and who would fund it.
Airport officials have yet to disclose the exact cost of the project.
However, a 2025 assessment of a failed proposal to rename the airport Trump International Airport estimated that a name change could cost about $10.3m.
Following Friday’s approval, the airport authority will work with the Dollywood Foundation to develop a name and integrate the two entities.
The move followed an earlier proposal by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee to rename the airport after Parton following her death.
The Hill quoted the governor as saying, “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 favourite daughter and greet travellers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness.”
Parton, who was born in Sevier County, Tennessee, was known for songs including “Jolene” and “9 to 5” and founded the Dollywood theme park in her home state.
