Nashville Airport to Be Renamed After Dolly Parton

Nashville International Airport will soon honor Dolly Parton with a name change. The board of the Metro Nashville Airport Authority voted unanimously, 6-0, to begin the process of renaming the airport after the iconic singer, who recently passed away at age 80 after battling cancer privately. The precise new name has yet to be finalized.

The board is collaborating with relevant parties to ensure Parton’s name and legacy are incorporated thoughtfully. Governor Bill Lee advocated for the change, describing it as an appropriate tribute to Tennessee’s beloved native. He highlighted Dolly’s enduring legacy of music, generosity, faith, and kindness that will greet travelers at the airport.

Interest in renaming the airport began more than a year before Parton’s death, with an online petition amassing over 175,000 signatures. In a January 2025 interview on “CBS Mornings,” Parton expressed being flattered by the gesture, though she initially regarded it as a joke.

The current airport code, BNA, stands for Berry Field Nashville, named after Col. Harry S. Berry. Approval from the Federal Aviation Administration is required for the name change. The airport board expressed gratitude for the community and global fans’ support.

Naming U.S. airports after famous individuals is not uncommon. Examples include the President Donald J. Trump International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, and the John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California.

Other tributes to Dolly Parton in Tennessee are underway. State Senator Jessie Seal has introduced legislation to make September 25 “9 to 5” Day, celebrating Parton’s renowned song.