Tennessee Governor Proposes Renaming Nashville Airport After Dolly Parton

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has proposed renaming Nashville International Airport in honor of Dolly Parton, just days after the country music legend died of cancer at age 80. The announcement came Friday, and the proposal aligns with an online petition signed by more than 150,000 fans urging the change.

In a statement, Lee said it would be fitting for the airport to bear the name of "our state's favorite daughter," welcoming travelers with the legacy of Parton's music, generosity, faith, and kindness. He added that he had already discussed the idea with representatives for Parton.

Parton rose from poverty in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains to become a global icon, known for hits like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You," as well as film roles in "9 to 5" and "Steel Magnolias." Her appeal crossed generational, geographic, and political lines.

The proposal may require the Metro Nashville Airport Authority to revisit its current naming policy, which restricts naming airport properties to individuals who have been deceased for at least two years. The governor's office said the proposal and policy will be discussed at the authority's meeting on September 17.