Gov. Bill Lee (R-TN) is now moving to rename the Nashville airport after Dolly Parton, following her death. This is absolutely the right thing to do.
It’s hard to think of another figure in America who is more beloved by people from all walks of life. Parton was also far more than an entertainer. She worked for years to improve life for all kinds of people through charity and business.
FOX News reports:
Tennessee moves to rename Nashville airport for Dolly Parton days after beloved icon’s death
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport announced Friday that they intend to name the airport in honor of Dolly Parton, moving toward a major tribute to the icon after an outpouring of public support for the beloved late country music legend’s legacy.
Lee said he spoke with Parton’s team about the proposal this week. Her team expressed appreciation for the support and is open to continuing the conversation, according to a joint announcement from the governor and the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority.
The proposal would place Parton’s name on the gateway to Music City, connecting the transportation hub with a woman whose music, philanthropy and deeply rooted connection to her home state made her perhaps its most celebrated figure.
“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” said Lee about the Tennessee native, who died Tuesday at 80 after a brief cancer battle. “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
More from the governor’s press release:
Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport®, also known as BNA®, announced their intent to name BNA in honor of Dolly Parton, creating a lasting tribute to her indelible legacy and the generations of people she inspired across Tennessee and around the world.
Gov. Lee spoke with Dolly’s team about the proposal this week. Her team expressed their appreciation for the extraordinary outpouring of support to honor Dolly and said they are touched by the idea and open to continuing the conversation. In keeping with the way Dolly lived her life, her team believes she still has a special way of bringing people together for good, and they hope this tribute can be another example of that enduring legacy.
I’ll leave you with this wonderful 2005 clip of Dolly Parton explaining to Conan O’Brien how she pulled a gun on a man in New York City years ago for sexually harassing her. This woman really was a treasure.
That time Dolly Parton pulled a gun on a sex pest in New York City (via @AWRHawkins‘ tribute, 🔗⬇️) pic.twitter.com/Qnvbmk6xh2
— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) August 26, 2026
Donations tax deductible
to the full extent allowed by law.