Tennessee has announced plans to change the name of Nashville International Airport to honor the late country music legend, Dolly Parton, who passed away at 80 years old earlier this week. The decision follows a social media campaign by fans advocating for the airport’s renaming in tribute to Parton. Governor Bill Lee engaged with Parton’s team regarding this initiative, as confirmed by official statements.
Governor Lee expressed that Dolly Parton’s remarkable life is deeply intertwined with the essence of Tennessee. It is deemed appropriate that Nashville International Airport, a place where Tennessee embraces visitors from around the world, should bear the name of the state’s beloved daughter. This renaming aims to greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness.
The airport’s naming policy is set to be reviewed during a meeting on September 17 to address the proposal to rename the airport. Currently, the policy prohibits naming any property after an individual who has not been deceased for at least two years, as reported by The New York Times. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is supporting this renaming effort.
Mark Ezell, the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, described Dolly Parton as a significant figure in promoting Tennessee tourism, referring to her as the state’s foremost lady and greatest ambassador. He highlighted that millions of travelers worldwide have been introduced to Tennessee’s music, landscapes, and hospitality through Parton even before setting foot in the state. The choice to name the airport after Dolly Parton is seen as a fitting tribute where many journeys throughout Tennessee commence.
Dolly Parton, born on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee, spent her early years in a one-room cabin in Locust Ridge. She began her career at a young age, performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville when she was only 13. After completing high school, she relocated to Nashville to pursue a career in music. Parton’s iconic songs, including “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You,” have solidified her status as one of the top-selling female artists ever, with over 100 million records sold. Throughout her nearly six-decade career, she accumulated numerous accolades, including 11 Grammy Awards, with a Lifetime Achievement Award among them.