NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiSeptember 11, 2026Miami-Dade County
Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority approves renaming Nashville International Airport for Dolly Parton
Photo: WSVN 7 News Miami
State and local officials in Nashville unanimously voted to direct the airport CEO to begin the process of renaming Nashville International Airport after Dolly Parton. The change is supported by both the state-controlled and city-controlled airport authorities, as well as Nashville's mayor. The renaming process could take a year or more and involves coordination with Parton's estate.
Read the full story at WSVN 7 News MiamiWhy It Matters
Nashville International Airport is set to be renamed after Dolly Parton, making her the first woman to name one of America's 50 busiest airports, pending coordination with her estate and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Key Facts
- The state-controlled Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority unanimously approved a motion directing the airport CEO to begin the airport renaming process.
- Nashville's Democratic Mayor Freddie O’Connell and the competing city-controlled airport authority also support renaming the airport after Dolly Parton.
- A petition started by a fan in 2025 reached more than 175,000 signatures following Parton's death.
- The renaming process could take a year or more and requires working with Parton's estate regarding merchandise sales profits.
- The Federal Aviation Administration will receive approval votes from both the state-controlled and city-controlled airport boards.
- Tennessee lawmakers previously brought a bill in 2021 to place a statue of Parton on the Capitol grounds, which Parton asked them to withdraw.
Who's Mentioned
PersonStuart McWhorter“Member of the state-controlled board and deputy to Tennessee Governor Bill Lee”PersonDolly Parton“Subject of the airport renaming proposal”PersonAlex Apple“Spokesman for Mayor O’Connell”OrganizationMetropolitan Nashville Airport Authority“Board that unanimously approved the renaming motion”locationNashville International Airport“Facility designated for renaming”PersonFreddie O’Connell“Democratic Mayor of Nashville supporting the name change”PersonLydia Popovich“Parton superfan who started the petition for the name change”OrganizationThe Associated Press“News publisher of the article”PersonBill Lee“Governor of Tennessee”OrganizationFederal Aviation Administration“Federal body that will receive votes from both airport boards”