Tennessee Governor Proposes Renaming Nashville International Airport After Dolly Parton
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has announced plans to rename Nashville International Airport in honor of Dolly Parton. Parton's team is reportedly open to discussions, and the Metro Nashville Airport Authority will consider the proposal.

Greenville Spartanburg Asheville Anderson, SC, August 28, 2026 —
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has announced his intention to propose renaming Nashville International Airport (BNA) in honor of the iconic entertainer Dolly Parton. The proposal, if formally submitted and approved, would designate the airport under Parton’s name.
Sources indicate that representatives for Dolly Parton are reportedly open to engaging in discussions regarding the potential renaming. The next step in the process involves the Metro Nashville Airport Authority, which is slated to consider the proposal. Specific details regarding the timeline for consideration or the criteria for approval were not immediately available.
Dolly Parton, a Tennessee native, is a globally recognized singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist. Her career spans decades, marked by numerous awards and a significant cultural impact. The proposed renaming would recognize her contributions and connection to the state of Tennessee and the city of Nashville, often referred to as “Music City.”
The Metro Nashville Airport Authority is responsible for the operations and governance of Nashville International Airport. The authority’s board will review the proposal to determine its feasibility and potential implications. Further information on the authority’s deliberations and any decisions made will be forthcoming as the process unfolds. The contractor’s name involved in the initial proposal was not provided. The fine amount, if any, was not provided. The inspection outcomes were not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Caleb Wethington, Gray News staff on www.foxcarolina.com, see more information here.