Dolly Parton’s death on August 25, 2026, at age 80 has prompted a major proposal in her home state of Tennessee: renaming Nashville International Airport in her honor. Three days after her death, Gov. Bill Lee and airport officials announced that they intended to pursue the change, describing it as a lasting tribute to Parton’s cultural and philanthropic legacy.

The idea had already been circulating among fans before Parton’s death, but the campaign gained significant attention afterward. An online petition calling for the airport to be renamed attracted more than 150,000 signatures, while Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell also expressed support for honoring Parton through the airport.

There was initially an important obstacle: the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s naming policy generally included a two-year waiting period after a person’s death. The proposal therefore required consideration by the airport authority rather than an immediate name change. Federal aviation approval would also be part of the process.

However, the situation changed on September 11. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority voted 6–0 to begin the process of modifying the airport’s name in Parton’s honor. Officials said a final name had not yet been determined and that they were working with the appropriate parties on how her name and legacy would be incorporated.

As of September 20, 2026, Nashville International Airport continues operating as BNA while the renaming process moves forward. The decision follows a wave of tributes to Parton, whose career extended from country music into film, business, and philanthropy. The airport proposal is now an official process, but the final name and implementation details have not yet been announced.