The short version
- Governor Bill Lee has formally endorsed renaming Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton to honor her cultural impact on the state.
- The proposal is scheduled for review by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority in September, following a petition with over 150,000 signatures.
- Parton’s family has requested a private funeral, and city officials are coordinating additional public tributes alongside the potential name change.
Governor Bill Lee announced on Friday that he supports a proposal to rename Nashville International Airport in honor of Dolly Parton, who died three days earlier at the age of 80. The Tennessee leader stated that he and airport management aim to establish a permanent tribute to the singer’s profound influence on the state and the generations she inspired. Lee noted that he had previously discussed the idea with Parton and her representatives, who were reportedly moved by the suggestion.
In a written statement, Lee emphasized that Parton’s life is deeply integrated into Tennessee’s identity. He described the airport as the point where the state welcomes visitors from around the globe, making it an appropriate location to display her enduring legacy of music, generosity, and kindness. The governor characterized Parton as the state’s favorite daughter, suggesting that her name would greet travelers with a sense of the region’s values.
The proposal is set to be addressed by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority during a scheduled meeting on September 17. Doug Kreulen, the authority’s president, released a statement highlighting the alignment between Parton’s philosophy and the airport’s mission. He noted that both share a belief that dignity and opportunity should not be determined by socioeconomic status or origin. Kreulen added that all passengers, regardless of their travel class, deserve to be treated with equal respect and care.
Public support for the renaming effort has grown rapidly. A petition advocating for the change has accumulated more than 150,000 signatures since its launch. Dan Dion, the organizer behind the campaign, told local media that the airport serves as a symbolic gateway to Tennessee. He argued that Parton’s message of love, acceptance, and humor reflects the true character of the state, making the facility an ideal venue for such a tribute.
The announcement coincided with a visual demonstration of support, as a plane towing a banner urging the name change flew over the Tennessee state capitol. This event underscored the momentum behind the initiative, which has gained traction among both officials and citizens eager to commemorate Parton’s passing. The timing of the governor’s endorsement suggests a coordinated effort to formalize public sentiment into policy.
Parton’s family has requested a private funeral for immediate relatives, with no public memorial services planned. She will be buried next to her husband, Carl Dean, at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville. In a video statement released Tuesday, Bryan Seaver, Parton’s nephew and longtime head of security, shared her wish to rest comfortably after a life spent wearing heavy costumes. He quoted her desire for a peaceful end, free from the physical demands of her stage persona.
Parton had previously expressed specific wishes regarding her funeral music in a 2014 interview with Entertainment Weekly. She indicated that Whitney Houston’s version of 'I Will Always Love You' would be part of the service, along with the gospel hymn 'If We Never Meet Again,' which was a favorite of her father. These details provide insight into the personal and spiritual elements she valued, contrasting with the large-scale public tributes now being organized by state officials.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell indicated that the airport renaming is just one component of broader metropolitan tributes. He noted that Parton was in the process of developing a hotel and museum called SongTeller, which she described as a love letter to Nashville. O’Connell framed the potential name change as the city’s reciprocal gesture, aiming to honor her contributions through official recognition.
The city is currently working closely with Parton’s team and family to determine appropriate forms of public acknowledgment. This collaborative approach aims to balance official honors with the family’s wishes for privacy. The process reflects a careful navigation between celebrating a cultural icon and respecting the personal boundaries of those left behind.
If approved, this renaming would follow a recent trend of airports being named after prominent figures. Palm Beach International Airport was recently renamed for Donald Trump, a move that generated mixed reactions from travelers and locals. The comparison highlights the ongoing debate over how public infrastructure should commemorate political and cultural leaders, as well as the varying levels of community consensus surrounding such decisions.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Tennessee governor says he backs airport name change to honor Dolly Parton
