Daniel Kreps
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Dolly Parton Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic The state of Tennessee has announced plans to rename the Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton following the death of the country legend earlier this week.
Both Governor Bill Lee and the Metro Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) are aligned on a proposal to rebrand the Music City hub (airport code BNA) in honor of Parton, with a September 17 meeting scheduled to plan the next steps.
“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Gov. Lee said in a statement. “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.”
At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that BNA would bear @DollyParton’s name. Today, in partnership with @Fly_Nashville, we announced our intent to honor Tennessee’s favorite daughter and her indelible legacy. Link: https://t.co/bGBXYqp0d1 pic.twitter.com/Jvf4Em9Amq
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) August 28, 2026
“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,” said Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority president and CEO Doug Kreulen added.
“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… That spirit is what defines BNA and it is a fitting reflection of the values Dolly shared with Tennessee and the world.”
