Nashville airport considers name change to honour Dolly Parton
Tennessee officials propose airport name change for Dolly Parton just days after her death
Officials in Nashville have proposed renaming the city's international airport in honour of Dolly Parton after the country music icon's recent passing at age 80.
The Jolene and I Will Always Love You hitmaker had deep personal and professional ties to Nashville throughout her career.
Now just days after the singer's demise, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has shared that he spoke with Parton's team about the idea, and her representatives are “touched by the idea and open to continuing the conversation.”
Governor Lee said Parton's story, from growing up in a small mountain town to becoming a world-famous star, reflects the spirit of Tennessee. He said this makes the airport a fitting place to honour her.
“At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favourite daughter and greet travellers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith and kindness.”
Nashville International Airport, also called BNA, is a busy travel hub, connecting people to cities across the country and around the world. Nashville itself is known as a major center for country music. It's also the city where Parton first moved to build her music career, starting out as a songwriter before becoming famous as a singer.
President and chief executive of Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Doug Kreulen also spoke about the idea.“BNA is the front door to Music City, and with that comes a responsibility to reflect the very best of who we are as a community."
“Dolly’s remarkable legacy reminds us that what makes Nashville special is our ability to welcome people from every walk of life. She understood that dignity, kindness and opportunity should never be defined by where you come from or your socioeconomic status," he continued.
The airport's president concluded, “At BNA, we share that commitment. Whether you are boarding a private aircraft or taking your first flight, you deserve to be welcomed, respected and served with the same level of care. That spirit is what defines BNA and it is a fitting reflection of the values Dolly shared with Tennessee and the world.”
The airline also announced the upcoming move via their official Instagram account.
The idea comes after many people online called for the airport to be renamed. A petition asking for the change has already gathered more than 150,000 signatures. Airport leaders now plan to officially discuss the idea at a meeting in September.
