Tennessee lawmakers back push to rename Nashville airport for Dolly Parton

Momentum is building among Tennessee lawmakers to rename Nashville International Airport, known by its code BNA, after Dolly Parton. The push gathered steam a day after the singer and songwriter died at age 80.

Nashville Metro Councilmember Russ Bradford said he is drafting a resolution backing the idea and has reached out to the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority about pursuing a change to Dolly Parton International Airport. He described Parton as a defining figure for the city and state, pointing to her philanthropic work and global recognition.

Bradford was careful to note that the council measure would only express support. It would not itself authorize a name change. That decision rests with the airport authority's board, which would also need approval from the Federal Aviation Administration before any renaming could take effect.

The idea itself isn't new. Tennessee residents Lydia Popovich and Dan Dion started a petition calling for the change back in January 2025, and interest in the campaign surged after Parton's death. The petition gathered more than 127,000 verified signatures within a day.

A complication has emerged, according to Bobby Joslin, a board member of the airport authority. Existing policy from 2010 bars naming the airport after a person until two years after that person's death, according to one report. Whether that rule would be waived or amended to accommodate the proposal remains unclear.

No formal vote or timeline has been announced by the airport authority.