Board votes to rename Nashville International Airport for Dolly Parton

Nashville’s airport authority board unanimously voted Friday to begin the process to rename the city’s airport to honor late country music legend and Tennessee icon Dolly Parton.

The vote by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority did not establish a new name for Nashville International Airport, but it begins the process, the board said in a statement.

“It’s official!” Nashville International Airport said on social media when announcing the 6-0 airport authority vote, which the board described as “the first step in a multifaceted process.”

Parton, beloved by country music fans around the world, died last month at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer, her family said on Aug. 25.

“While a final name has not yet been determined, we are working closely with the appropriate parties to thoughtfully determine how Dolly Parton’s name and legacy will be incorporated,” the airport authority said.

The airport authority said that it anticipates having more definitive plans to share about the implementation in the coming months.

“We are grateful for the tremendous support and enthusiasm from our community and Dolly’s fans around the world,” it said. “We look forward to sharing additional details as plans are finalized.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee thanked the airport authority board for its action Friday and called the vote an “important step to honor her remarkable legacy.”

“Dolly has always helped the world fall in love with Tennessee,” he said.

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