Officials at Nashville International Airport have proposed renaming the airport in honour of Dolly Parton, following the death of the country music superstar. The US singer, known for hits including 9 To 5, I Will Always Love You and Jolene, died aged 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
Parton's deep ties to Nashville
Parton, born in Tennessee, was deeply associated with Nashville throughout her career and was inducted into its Songwriters Hall Of Fame in 1986. The proposal aims to create a lasting tribute to her legacy and recognise the generations of people she inspired across Tennessee and around the world.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee spoke to Parton's team about the idea earlier this week, and her representatives are said to be touched by the idea and open to continuing the conversation. 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. 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."
Airport's role and community response
Known as BNA, the airport is a major commercial hub with direct flights to more than 115 destinations, including Heathrow Airport in the UK. Nashville, the capital and largest city of Tennessee, is famous worldwide as "Music City" for its history in country, rock, blues and gospel music. It is where Parton moved after graduating from high school, working as a songwriter before launching her recording career.
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. She understood that dignity, kindness and opportunity should never be defined by where you come from or your socioeconomic status. 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."
Next steps for the proposal
The proposal follows calls to rename the airport as a tribute, with a Change.org petition reaching more than 155,000 signatures. The proposal by Lee and the current naming policy of the Metro Nashville Airport Authority will be addressed at the organisation's meeting on September 17.
