Nashville International Airport could soon carry the name of Dolly Parton as Tennessee officials move forward with a proposal honoring the late country music icon.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced support for the change on August 28, saying the airport would be a fitting place to recognize Parton’s connection to the state and her lasting influence on music and philanthropy. Nashville airport leadership has also expressed support for the proposal, which is expected to be discussed by the Metro Nashville Airport Authority on September 17.
The idea has gained strong public backing. An online petition calling for the airport to be renamed in Parton’s honor has collected more than 150,000 signatures.
A name change would require officials to address the airport authority’s current policy, which generally limits naming honors to people who have been deceased for at least two years.
Parton, a Tennessee native, became one of country music’s most recognizable artists while also building a major philanthropic legacy through programs including the Imagination Library.