Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport announced plans to rename BNA in honor of Dolly Parton. The proposal follows a massive public petition and comes after the legendary country music icon died at age 80.
Tennessee officials are moving to rename Nashville International Airport after the late music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton, following her death at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Governor Bill Lee and airport leadership announced their intent to transform the transportation hub into a permanent tribute to the state’s most celebrated figure.
Governor Lee and BNA Propose Landmark Tribute
The state government and airport leadership are backing a plan to place Parton’s name on the gateway to Music City. Governor Lee stated that he spoke with Parton’s team about the proposal during the week of her passing, noting that her representatives expressed appreciation, were touched by the idea, and remained open to continuing discussions.
The formal proposal will be addressed at the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority meeting on Thursday, September 17. Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of the airport authority, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the facility’s identity.
Kreulen added that Parton understood that dignity, kindness, and opportunity should never depend on socioeconomic status or where someone originates.
Groundswell of Public Support and Change.org Petition
The high-level political backing arrives on the heels of an enormous public campaign. The petition was originally launched in January 2025 by Nashville residents Lydia Popovich and Dan Dion, who initially hoped to honor Parton while she was still alive.
Following her death, tens of thousands of additional supporters flocked to the page. Popovich became emotional when reacting to the governor’s announcement, embracing Dion and telling Fox17 that hundreds of thousands of travelers arriving at the airport would feel greeted by the beloved entertainer.
Local politicians quickly threw their weight behind the movement. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell posted his support online. O’Connell called renaming the airport the city’s turn to send a love letter back to her.
Navigating Airport Authority Policies and the History of BNA
While the proposal has gained widespread momentum, making it official requires clearing specific administrative hurdles. Under the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s existing naming policy—originally established in 2010—honorees generally must be deceased for at least two years before a facility can bear their name. The board must formally waive or amend this requirement during its September 17 meeting for the renaming to proceed.
The airport currently operates under the call sign BNA.
Lawmakers have also noted the shifting political landscape surrounding the facility’s designation. State Representative Todd Warner previously sponsored a bill to rename the airport after President Donald Trump before withdrawing the legislation due to widespread pushback. Warner indicated he would fully support the effort to honor Parton instead, calling it a priority for upcoming legislative filings if necessary.
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