News / Air & Airports

Nashville airport could be renamed for Dolly Parton

Michael Pihach

08-31-2026 6:15 am

Michael Pihach

Michael Pihach is an award-winning journalist with a keen interest in digital storytelling. In addition to PAX, Michael has also written for CBC Life, Ryerson University Magazine, IN Magazine, and DailyXtra.ca. Michael joins PAX after years of working at popular Canadian television shows, such as Steven and Chris, The Goods and The Marilyn Denis Show.

Nashville International Airport could soon bear the name of country music legend Dolly Parton, following her death earlier this week at the age of 80.

Tennessee is reportedly moving to rename the airport in Parton’s honour, a proposal that follows a social media campaign launched by fans calling for the tribute.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee spoke with Parton’s team about the idea this week, according to statements from the governor’s office and the airport.

"Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our ⁠state," Lee said ⁠in the statement.

"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 and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of ⁠Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness."

Parton died in Nashville earlier this week, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans, musicians and public figures.

Beyond her legacy in music, film and television, Parton also left an indelible mark on Tennessee’s tourism industry.

The proposed airport name change will be discussed at a Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority meeting on Sept. 17, along with the authority’s existing naming policy.

That policy currently prohibits airport property from being named after someone until they have been dead for at least two years, according to The New York Times.

Nonetheless, Tennessee's Department of Tourist Development is supporting the proposal.

"Dolly Parton was, in many ways, Tennessee tourism's first lady and greatest ambassador," said its commissioner Mark Ezell. "Even before they set foot here, millions of travelers know our music, our mountains and our welcoming spirit through her. ... I can’t imagine a better name for the airport where so many Tennessee journeys begin."

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