Nashville’s airport could become Dolly Parton International under a growing push to rename BNA for the late singer. But an official change would be at least two years away.
A petition for the name change started a year and a half ago, as an alternative to a GOP proposal to rename the airport after President Donald Trump. Less than 48 hours after Parton’s passing, the petition surged in popularity, amassing more than 100,000 additional signatures.
State and local politicians have signaled support, including State Rep. Todd Warner, R-Chapel Hill, who initially proposed renaming the airport after Trump. Warner gained national attention in May for wearing a Trump flag like a cape during a vote on mid-decade redistricting. He told petition organizers that he would “definitely introduce legislation” for the name change.
Warner’s proposal to rename BNA for Trump failed partly because of the cost. At the time, state finance analysts put the total bill for renaming the airport at roughly $10 million. That could be a strain on an airport currently spending millions on land deals to expand its runway capacity for international routes.
Under Metro Nashville Airport Authority policy, BNA property can only be named after someone if they’ve been deceased for at least two years, meaning 2028 would be the soonest Nashville-bound travelers might expect to land at a rebranded Dolly Parton International Airport.
“Dolly’s extraordinary talent, generosity and unmistakable spirit transcended generations, and her love for Tennessee left an indelible mark on our state and the world,” the MNAA said in a statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all those whose lives she touched, and especially those in her hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee and the rolling hills of Knoxville, Tennessee.”
To be eligible for a dedication, airport policy also dictates that the person has to “have made a substantial personal contribution to the MNAA and/or the field of aviation in Middle Tennessee.” The MNAA has not said if it would make an exception for Dolly.
At the city level, Metro Councilmember Russ Bradford said he will introduce a resolution indicating Nashville government’s support for BNA to potentially become DNA — although the DNA airport code is already claimed by a small airport in New Mexico: Doña Ana County International Jetport.
Lawmakers are also considering new holidays for Dolly. Earlier this year, Jan. 19 became “Dolly Parton Day” in celebration of her 80th birthday. Now, Tennessee Sen. Jessie Seal, R-New Tazewell, wants to celebrate “9 to 5 Day” on 9/25.
A 2021 proposal to erect a statue to Dolly Parton had been discouraged by Parton herself. At the time, she said to wait until after she was gone.
“Given all that is going on in the world, I don’t think putting me on a pedestal is appropriate at this time,” Parton said. “I hope, though, that somewhere down the road several years from now or perhaps after I’m gone if you still feel I deserve it, then I’m certain I will stand proud in our great State Capitol as a grateful Tennessean.”
In the days since her death, Republican leaders in the Tennessee House and Senate have so far been less specific about potential Dolly tributes.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM