The Votes Are In! Nashville Airport Will Officially Be Renamed in Honor of Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton may be gone, but Tennessee is making certain that her name continues to fly-and this time, quite literally.

The Metro Nashville Airport Authority voted unanimously, 6-0, on Friday to begin renaming Nashville International Airport in honor of the late country music icon. Although officials have not yet settled on the airport's final name, every board member supported incorporating Parton's name and legacy into the identity of Tennessee's busiest airport.

"Today, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority voted unanimously, 6-0, to begin the process of modifying the airport's name in honor of Dolly Parton," the board announced in an official statement.

The authority cautioned that the vote is only the opening step in what it described as a "multifaceted process." Officials will now work with the appropriate parties to determine precisely how Parton's name will be used. In other words, travelers should not expect the Nashville International Airport signs to disappear overnight-but the Dolly makeover is officially moving forward.

The airport celebrated the decision on Instagram, calling it an "exciting and historic moment for BNA and Music City."

The campaign gathered momentum after Parton died on August 25 at the age of 80 following a private battle with cancer. Just three days later, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced plans to work with the airport authority and Parton's family on the tribute.

"Dolly Parton's extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state," Lee said. He praised the beloved entertainer for carrying Tennessee's "Volunteer Spirit" from her rural East Tennessee home to stages around the world.

Lee also highlighted the faith that remained central to Parton's public identity, describing her legacy as one of "music, generosity, faith, and kindness." He said it was fitting that the place where Tennessee welcomes visitors from around the world should carry the name of the state's "favorite daughter."

Fans were hardly difficult to convince. More than 175,000 people signed a petition supporting the proposed Dolly Parton International Airport.

Then Parton's famously outspoken sister Stella offered an even more ambitious suggestion during an appearance on CBS Mornings. Stella said she loved the airport idea but jokingly argued that officials should go much further.

"I think we ought to name it United States of Dolly Parton," Stella quipped. "The state of Dolly Parton. Let's change the name of the state."

She was joking-but judging from the overwhelming public reaction, plenty of fans might happily approve the paperwork.

The airport is not the only Tennessee institution preparing to celebrate Parton. State Sen. Jessie Seal has also proposed recognizing September 25 as "9 to 5 Day," honoring Parton's enduring working-woman anthem and the hit 1980 movie in which she starred.

Few celebrity airport renamings could feel more appropriate. Parton carried Tennessee with her throughout her career, celebrating her roots in songs such as "My Tennessee Mountain Home" and "Tennessee Homesick Blues." She also transformed her faith and childhood experiences into a lifetime of songs that brought hope to listeners far beyond country music.

A final name and implementation schedule have yet to be announced. Nevertheless, the message behind Friday's vote is already unmistakable: when travelers arrive in Music City, Tennessee wants Dolly Parton to be among the first names they see.