Nashville International Airport could soon carry a new name, and it’s the one fans have been asking for. On Friday, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority voted unanimously to begin the renaming process in honor of Dolly Parton. No final name has been chosen, and the airport’s current policy requires honorees to have passed away at least two years ago, meaning an exception would be needed to move forward. Parton died in Nashville on August 25th at age 80 after a private battle with cancer.
The push came from the fans. A petition calling for the change gained new momentum after her passing and has now collected more than 175,000 signatures. Governor Bill Lee, Mayor Freddie O’Connell and the Metro City Council have all voiced support. If the renaming goes through, it would be the first U.S. international commercial airport named after a woman, a fitting tribute to an artist who spent six decades championing Tennessee.
There’s new music to go with the moment, too. Parton’s first posthumous single,“Bound to Ride,”was released this week ahead of the October 16th Stanley Brothers tribute album. Between the airport vote and the new release, it’s been a week of remembering just how much she gave us. What’s your favorite Dolly Parton song? Tell us in the comments.
About the Author
Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
