All members of the airport’s governing board voted in favor of the proposal on Friday, September 11, 2026. However, the exact name the airport will adopt has not yet been decided, and the renaming process is expected to take time.
Parton died in August 2026 at the age of 80. She was best known for her influential career in country music, but she was also widely praised for her contributions to Tennessee and her efforts to promote childhood literacy through her Imagination Library foundation, which provides books to children.
The idea of naming the airport after Parton was first raised last year. In August 2026, it received support from Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.
Governor Lee said Parton’s life and legacy are deeply connected to the history of Tennessee, adding that it would be meaningful for travelers arriving in the state to be welcomed by her name.
Renaming the airport would require changes to signs, airport shuttle vehicles, employee uniforms and business documents, among other materials.
Airport officials said they are continuing consultations with stakeholders to determine how Dolly Parton’s name and legacy will be represented as part of the renaming process.
Parton also founded Dollywood, a major theme park in Tennessee. The park and its related activities are estimated to generate nearly $1.8 billion in economic activity for the state each year.
The proposed renaming would give one of Tennessee’s most prominent landmarks a lasting connection to a cultural icon whose career and philanthropy have had a significant impact both within the state and beyond.
