Nashville-bound passengers could soon fly into Dolly Parton International Airport. Gov. Bill Lee has taken up a growing push to rename the airport for the late singer.
The name change technically goes against airport policy, which only allows a rededication to someone who’s made contributions to the airport or the field of aviation. The Metro Nashville Airport Authority is pushing forward with the change anyway.
Changing the airport’s name could cost around $10 million, according to previous state estimates. There’s also a question over whether the three-letter airport code BNA could change to DNA, which is already taken by the small Doña Ana County International Jetport in New Mexico.
“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,” Lee said.
Calls to rename Nashville’s airport after Dolly Parton aren’t new. Democrats offered Parton as an alternative to a measure that would’ve named the airport after Donald Trump.
State Rep. Todd Warner, R-Chapel Hill, who initially proposed renaming the airport for Trump, has indicated his support for Dolly Parton International.
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.”
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