It’s official… the name of the Nashville International Airport will soon be changed to honor the late, great Dolly Parton.
In the days following the unexpected passing of the country music legend, there were calls for Music City to honor the “Queen of Country” by renaming the city’s international airport after her. It was actually an effort that got started back in 2025 through a change.org petition, and that very petition gained new life after members of the Tennessee legislature and Metro Nashville City Council threw their support behind the name change in the week after Dolly’s passing.
In a press release following her death, Governor Bill Lee formally announced the state’s intent to name BNA in honor of Dolly Parton. Citing conversations between Lee and Dolly’s team, he noted how excited they are to honor her legacy with the name change.
“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state. From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her. 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.”
Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, also expressed his support for renaming the airport:
“BNA is the front door to Music City, and with that comes a responsibility to reflect the very best of who we are as a community. Dolly’s remarkable legacy reminds us that what makes Nashville special is our ability to welcome people from every walk of life. She understood that dignity, kindness and opportunity should never be defined by where you come from or your socioeconomic status.
At BNA, we share that commitment. Whether you are boarding a private aircraft or taking your first flight, you deserve to be welcomed, respected and served with the same level of care. That spirit is what defines BNA and it is a fitting reflection of the values Dolly shared with Tennessee and the world.”
There’s no doubt that it would just feel right for people visiting Nashville to first touch down at an airport named after Dolly Parton.
Through a collective effort by politicians and the people at the Nashville International Airport, and thanks to a unanimous vote that took place earlier today, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Board of Commissioners is happy to announce that the airport will, in fact, be renamed to honor Dolly Parton:
“It’s official! The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Board of Commissioners voted unanimously, 6 to 0, to modify our existing naming policy, marking the first step toward renaming Nashville International Airport in honor of Dolly Parton. This is an exciting and historic moment for BNA and Music City.”
In a statement that the MNAA shared along with the announcement, they clarified that the exact name of the airport has not yet been decided. They say they are going to work to “thoughtfully determine” how Dolly’s name will be incorporated into the Nashville airport’s name:
“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. While a final name has not yet been determined, we are working closely with the appropriate parties to thoughtfully determine how Dolly Parton’s name and legacy will be incorporated.
This vote represents the first step in a multifaceted process. In the coming months, we anticipate having more definitive plans to share regarding the next steps and implementation. We are grateful for the tremendous support and enthusiasm from our community and Dolly’s fans around the world. We look forward to sharing additional details as plans are finalized.”
According to reports, the IATA airport code is not expected to change when BNA becomes Dolly Parton International Airport, leaving in place the three-letter designator that’s been used for decades. But kudos to those in Tennessee and at the MNAA for making the right call and officially voting to change the name of the airport to honor the beloved country star.
Departin’ from Parton has a nice ring to it, eh?
