Nashville International Airport could be renamed in honour of Dolly Parton, following the death of the country music icon at the age of 80. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee discussed the proposal with Parton's team this week, with her representatives said to be "touched by the idea and open to continuing the conversation".
Proposal for a lasting tribute
The proposal aims to establish a "lasting tribute to her indelible legacy" while acknowledging "the generations of people she inspired across Tennessee and around the world". Mr Lee said: "Dolly Parton's extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state.
"From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her."
Airport's role and Parton's Nashville ties
The airport, known as BNA, serves as a major commercial gateway linking domestic business centres and international cities, with direct flights to more than 115 destinations, including Heathrow Airport in the UK. Nashville is Tennessee's capital and most populous city, celebrated as "Music City" for its heritage in country, rock, blues and gospel music.
Parton, who was born in Tennessee, remained closely linked with Nashville throughout her career and was inducted into its Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1986. She moved to the city after high school and worked as a songwriter before starting her recording career.
Support from airport authority and public
Doug Kreulen, president and chief executive of Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, said: "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."
The proposal follows a flood of requests to rename the airport, with a petition on Change.org amassing over 155,000 signatures. Mr Lee's suggestion, along with the current naming policy of the Metro Nashville Airport Authority, will be discussed at the organisation's meeting on 17 September.
